Superstore work is to start – and it’s bigger
CONSTRUCTION looks finally set to begin on a new Sainsbury’s supermarket in Southport – and plans suggest it will be bigger than expected.
Initial plans for a 60,000sq ft store and petrol station, which were granted in 2016, were scaled down last year when the retail giant submitted a new planning application for a smaller scheme.
But a submission has now been delivered to the council to begin work on piling and foundations for the new store at Meols Cop retail park, along the lines of the larger, 2016 specifications.
When it originally submitted the plans, Sainsbury’s said its new supermarket would create 400 new jobs, and increase choice for shoppers in the town.
The original application was highly contentious and was only approved following a five-day public inquiry – called for by former Southport MP and now councillor John Pugh in 2015, who was concerned over the potential impact on traffic in the area and the damaging drain of luring shoppers away from the town centre.
Plans for a smaller store were then approved on July 31 this year.
The development will include a new two-floor Sainsbury’s foodstore built above a customer car park on the ground floor level, with associated new access roads, changes to car parking at Meols Cop retail park, a petrol filling station and a recycling area.
A letter from real estate services provider Savills, which is involved in the scheme, says: “It is the applicant’s intention to undertake a series of physical works to implement the 2016 permission.
“This application seeks to certify that the proposed physical works can be lawfully completed.
“The first phase of works will include eight piles which would form part of the supporting structure and foundation for the access ramp to the first floor service yard.”
Builders would then seek to carry out test holes to enable piling works; instal a piling mat for a piling rig to operate from; and instal eight piles.
Savills says the work will not begin until condition surveys of homes on Argameols Close have been completed. Sound and vibration monitoring will also be undertaken.
Piling will only be allowed to take place: Monday-Thursday 8am-6pm; Friday 8am-4pm; and Saturday (if required) 8am-4pm.
While the news will be welcomed by many, numerous residents objected to the initial plans, warning that an already busy traffic system would struggle to cope with the additional store so close to Aldi and Tesco, while former MP John Pugh raised fears over more shopping footfall being taken away from the town centre.
Cllr Pugh said: “Sainsbury’s out-oftown move has been going on as long as Brexit.
“I would love to believe that Sefton planners are right and I am wrong in fearing the worst but visit the town centre Sainsbury’s and you will find the choice reducing in preparation for eventual closure.
“I don’t blame Sainsbury’s who were legally contracted to act; I blame Sefton’s Planning Committee for failing to defend Lord Street and encouraging out-oftown, car-only shopping.”
In July, Sefton Council planning officer Steve Faulkner said the new store would be a positive addition to the town, with a ‘net gain of employment opportunity moving forward’.
Sainsbury’s has been approached for comment.
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