Views sought on updated plans for new Waitrose supermarket in Chipping Sodbury (From Gazette Series)

Views sought on updated plans for new Waitrose supermarket in Chipping Sodbury

9:30am Thursday 4th February 2010 in

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WAITROSE bosses are inviting members of the public to see updated plans for a new supermarket in Chipping Sodbury.

Proposals for the new store, on the former Barnhill Quarry site, have been under consideration for three years but a planning application has not yet been submitted.

Two consultations have already been held and this third round of public scrutiny is part of the company’s commitment to giving the people of Chipping Sodbury what they want.

Waitrose director of development, Nigel Keen, said: "Waitrose places great value on becoming part of the fabric of Chipping Sodbury and we have been working hard with the developer to ensure the store is of an appropriate size and scale that best meets the needs of the local community.

"Our experience suggests the opening of a Waitrose store will drive additional footfall and can increase trade for neighbouring businesses.

"At present, shoppers are travelling out of Chipping Sodbury to carry out a supermarket shop, taking potential investment and trade with them. The proposed store will seek to cater for those residents living here, removing the need for people to travel further afield and instead encouraging them to visit the High Street."

He added: "Our aim throughout is to work with the community and fellow traders to create an attractive retail destination that benefits all concerned."

The development would also include 190 new homes, several small shop units and a pedestrian link to the High Street.

Paddy Fox, director of developers Chelverton Deeley Freed, said: "We want to ensure that this development will have a positive impact on Chipping Sodbury and so have been keen throughout to involve key stakeholderrs and the general public in the consultation process which has been ongoing over the last three years.

"The economic downturn has proved a very difficult time for everyone and it is important to consider future development in the area in a steady and measured way.

"The majority of local townspeople have been supportive of the principles of the project to date and our intention with this additional round of consultation is to show our scheme in more detail having taken into account public comments and input from the local planning authority and Sodbury and Yate town councils."

This latest consultation includes two public drop-in events next week, on Wednesday, February 10 (3.30-7pm) and Thursday, February 11 (12noon-7pm). Waitrose and the developers will also meet with town councils and business groups.

A planning application is expected to be submitted to South Gloucestershire Council in the spring and work on the first phase of the development will begin in 2011.