Sainsbury’s lodges appeal to Planning Inspectorate over original Saffron Walden superstore bid

A SUPERMARKET giant has submitted an appeal to the Planning Inspectorate after its proposals to build a new store in Saffron Walden was refused.

Sainsbury’s submitted an original version of its plans for a new 40,000 sq ft store, including customer restaurant on a mezzanine floor, in Thaxted Road in Autumn 2009.

The bid was turned down in December by planning authority Uttlesford District Council – losing out by just one vote on the grounds that it would have a negative impact on the town centre.

While Sainsbury’s has since submitted a fresh application to build on the site – which includes a 20 per cent smaller store, petrol station and online delivery service – the supermarket chain is also lodging on appeal to the original plans.

Sainsbury’s development surveyor Michael Morris said: “We have considered our position carefully since the refusal. We are confident that our proposals met all relevant planning policies and that they would have brought many benefits to Saffron Walden. Therefore, we have chosen to appeal within the permitted timeframe.”

He added: “We have also submitted amended applications for a new store and petrol filling station in parallel with this process. This appeal does not affect our desire to work closely with the residents, key stakeholders and the council, and we are hopeful of receiving a decision on these two revised applications in the summertime.

“We await determination of both the appeal and the revised applications, and our future intentions depend on these planning decisions.

“We do, however, remain committed to providing a store that offers strong competition and an increased choice for local residents and customers.”

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