More than a third of shoppers and residents consulted about major plans to extend a Shrewsbury supermarket have expressed concerns over the project – with many claiming the store is already big enough.
Thirty five per cent of Sainsbury’s customers at the store on Meole Brace Retail Park, as well as nearby residents, are worried about ambitious proposals to increase retail space at the site.
The plans, lodged at the start of October, also include a cafe.
During consultation carried out by supermarket staff in February and March, 19 per cent of people had reservations about the scheme and 16 per cent were firmly opposed to it.
The findings are detailed on a design and access statement which has now been published on Shropshire Council’s planning website.
Consultation involved a series of boards presented at the front of the store for customers to view, as well as leaflets distributed to 750 nearby properties.
Among the major concerns raised by people was the effect it would have on town centre traders, the need to improve access to the retail park and claims that the store was already big enough.
If approved, the revamp would include an expansion to the store, a new petrol station, 100 extra car parking spaces and a new cafe on the first floor – all of which could create up to 70 new jobs.
John Hall, chairman of Shop in the Loop, said: “I think these figures are really heartening and show that many people acknowledge the risk that supermarkets pose to the town centre.
“I’m also quite surprised as you would expect a pretty ringing endorsement of the plans considering the consultation was done mainly in store – but it seems even their own customers have certain reservations.”
A Sainsbury’s spokesperson said: “Sixty four per cent of people supported the plans so that’s a really good response.
“We’ve looked at some of the reasons why people only supported some of it – and a lot of people were concerned with the access to the store – so in response to that we made changes to the road layout before submitting the application.”
Christian Wakelin, Sainsbury’s regional development executive, said: “Following public consultation a number of changes have been made to the design, including adding more cycle hoops.
“We have also looked at the road layout to the site and further improved our design following customer concerns, with more lanes coming into the car park and more parking spaces added. The proposed extension would improve the shopping experience for customers at the Shrewsbury store.”
A decision on the planning application is expected to be reached by the New Year.
By David Seadon