Expansion plans for village foodstore
A VILLAGE supermarket and adjacent surgery could be demolished and replaced by a new store if the scheme is given the green light by council planners.
Co-Op Estates have applied for permission to knock down the Benllech store, as well as the former doctor’s surgery next door, to build a new 394 square metre store.
The development, which requires Anglesey Council’s Planning Committee approval, also includes 12 parking spaces, with the store remaining open from 6am to 11pm, seven days a week.
The planning document, which has been submitted to the authority, notes: “The increased sales floor area will ena- ble Co-op to provide an improved and enhanced range of goods, including local produce and a much larger fresh foods range, sourced locally as far as is practicable.
“The inclusion of the former GP surgery land increases the size of the site, which will enable parking and accessible parking to be included.”
The store currently employs 15 members of staff and the company envisages this may increase slightly, although no exact figure is provided.
The planning document concludes: “The (Llanfair Mathafarn Eithaf) Community Council also confirmed that members were supportive of the new foodstore, and felt it would be a further boost to the village, following the new medical centre and McCarthy and Stone Retirement Home developments in recent months.”
It is expected that Anglesey Council planners will make a decision in the coming months.
A spokesperson for the Co-op said: “I can confirm we have submitted an application to build a new, 3,000 sq ft bespoke store on the site of the former Gerafon Surgery on Amlwch Road in Benllech.
“Should the application be successful, the new store will have an in-store bakery, locally-sourced products and a focus on fresh, healthy foods, meal ideas and essentials, as well as improved parking.
“We aim to open the store towards the end of next year, and all staff will transfer across.”