A SUPERMARKET giant’s plan to create a local store in a tightly-knit Chester community has stirred controversy among independent traders.
Sainsbury’s Local will open in the former Peter’s Electrical store on Faulkner Street, Hoole, in mid May.
Work is being carried out to convert the store which will provide fresh fruit and vegetables, pre-packed meats, snacks, ready meals and freshly baked goods, from 7am until 11pm.
Sainsbury’s say the store will provide 25 new jobs and allow residents in the area the chance to walk to the store to do top-up their weekly shopping and reduce the need to drive to larger supermarkets, such as its sister store on Caldy Valley Road, Boughton, about two miles away.
A Sainsbury’s spokesman said: “Our Local shops cater for the immediate community and are particularly well used by people unable to drive further for their shopping. We are looking forward to opening the store and becoming involved in the community.”
In spite of previous reports, Sainsbury’s did not have to apply for planning permission to create a Local store, as it had moved into an existing retail premises.
The shop surrounds three convenience stores, independent butchers, florists, bakers, delis and a fruit and vegetable shop, as well as gift and fashion stores, pubs, takeaways and restaurants.
Businessman Rob Allams, who owns Mr Fruity and Quality Flowers, said many of his customers claimed the Sainsbury’s store would “rip the heart out of the community”.
He added: “Some have said it will put me out of business and of course we think it is totally unnecessary. But my wife and I have to think about the positives and hope that the Sainsbury’s will bring more people into Hoole.
“When they compare the quality and the price we see it as a gain now rather than something that will make out businesses suffer. We are happy to be compared to them – what do we have to worry about?”
Manager of Clancy’s Butchers, Shaun Carroll, raised concerns about the effect on parking and delivery times.
He said: “I’m not concerned about the effect it will have on the business and I think it will bring more people in, but parking is difficult at the best of times.
“Customers are getting parking tickets and it’s putting people off coming to the village as it is. With two Co-ops and a One Stop I don’t know what else it can offer people – it’s crazy.”
Chris Mayer of Deli Vert agreed. He said: “It is a shame to see that name on the street, I would rather it be something else. The parking situation is mad anyway and with more delivery vans coming through it’s going to get even more clogged up.
“In terms of the business we have had to adapt and we will just have to see the impact over the next three to six months. It will probably mean us getting even more specialised than we already are.”
Sainsbury’s submitted three separate applications, determined under powers delegated to the head of planning and transport, in line with the council’s constitution, which were all agreed following slight amendments.
Two applications for planning permission to alter the external appearance of the building, including a new shop front and external plant on the existing flat roof to the rear of the building, as well as one for advertisement consent for new signage.