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A rumour is currently circulating locally, that Sainsbury's is to open a local store in the former Quick's car showroom in Lower Bridge Street.
Clearly the opening of such a store is of concern to us in Handbridge because of the impact on our local shops and the potential loss on amenity that would result.
The former garage site, vacated by Bramhall Quick's about 2 years ago, is being offered for let by Rapley's commercial property agents. It would appear, from the agent's property details, that the site already has open A1 (retail) planning consent.
Indeed Sainsbury's responses, in January this year, to Cheshire West and Chester Council's Core Strategy Issues and Options for the Local Development Framework proposals, says that they support retail development within local centres in Chester and other parts of the borough:
"Sainsbury's consider that centres should provide the local population with access to shops, services and facilities. Each centre should provide a choice and range of convenience and comparison goods. The size and scale of the centres should reflect the population which it supports, in order to continue to support economic growth. In this regard, Sainsbury's support Option 14A which promotes the development of retail led regeneration schemes in Chester, Northwich and Ellesmere Port, whilst ensuring that the roles of the Secondary and Local centres is maintained through sustainable pattern of development."
No planning application has been submitted in relation to this, but it appears unlikely that it would be required for the change of use, as retail use is already permitted for the site. Any application is likely to be limited to signage and building alterations.
Confirmation, or otherwise, of this rumoured proposal would be welcome.
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