Sainsburys Bristol Store Proposals Rejected

Thu, 22 Jul 2010

 
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Sainsbury’s has been turned down in its bid to build a new supermarket on the site of Ashton Gate Football ground in Bristol.

The grocery retailer’s application to relocate its Winterstoke Road store to Ashton Gate has been rejected by Bristol City Council, despite council planning officials recommending it for approval in their report last week.

Residents and even local traders showed strong support for Sainsbury’s proposals, but committee members voiced concerns that the "out-of-town" location would result in people being dependent on their cars to shop at the store.

If approved, the 9,300 square metre superstore would have become the largest Sainsburys store in the South West, and would have helped boost employment in the area with up to 800 full and part-time jobs .

The decision by City councillors also comes as a blow for Bristol City Football Club, which was hoping to generate funds for the development of a new £92m, 30,000-seater regional stadium at nearby Ashton Vale through the sale of the Ashton Gate site.

Jamie Baker, Sainsburys Head of Property Development South, said: "Both Sainsbury’s and Bristol City Football Club are naturally disappointed at the committee’s decision, particularly as it was recommended for approval by the Planning Officer. "

"Sainsbury’s has consulted extensively with a whole range of individuals, groups and organisations in the community since the beginning of the year and we had made a significant number of changes to the planning application as a result of what we heard."

"We will now be reviewing the options open to us with Bristol City Football Club in terms of next steps."