Property News - Bristol Sainsbury's is blocked

Sainsbury's has been refused planning consent for a 30,000 sq ft (2,790 sq m) superstore in a Conservation Area close to a Grade 1-listed church in Westbury-on-Trym, north Bristol.

Sainsbury's wants to build the store on a public car park, with a new 150-space car park on former allotments next to the churchyard. More than 1,100 residents objected, with 33 in support.

Objectors pointed out the there are already five food stores within the five-minute drive time, and a 3,400 sq ft (315 sq m) Somerfield in the centre of the village.

Planning consultant Roger Tym & Partners, advising Somerfield, objected on grounds of need, the sequential approach and the viability of the centre.

The firm argued that Sainsbury's retail assessment underestimated the turnover of the new store while overestimating Somerfield's turnover.