Southwell Town Council again raises objections to Sainsbury's planning application

A council re-iterated its objections over plans for a new supermarket in the town.

Southwell Town Council raised objections to the application by Sainsbury’s despite alterations made to the plans for a store in Nottingham Road.

Councillors agreed by majority to object to the application, raising concerns about the location of the proposed supermarket.

The Sainsbury’s supermarket is proposed to be built on land off Nottingham Road, Southwell.

Modifications to the plans included the removal of proposed speed cushions along Nottingham Road, the inclusion of a footpath and the relocation of speed limit signs.

Despite these changes, a majority of councillors maintained their previous objections.

Peter Harris said: “I welcome competition, but not [this site]. It is the wrong place.”

The council submitted its objections to Newark and Sherwood District Council and explained that Nottingham Road was very busy and had issues with speeding, with significant traffic on the road at peak times.

It added the introduction of a busy junction would be unsafe and that the bend in the road would also limit visibility at the junction.

The council also questioned the need for the store, as it pointed out that Southwell already has a similarly-sized supermarket exists in the centre of the town already.

Whilst residents raise stocking issues regarding the Co-op store in the town, the council said it is not a justification for building another similar store.

It said the location of the site, on the outskirts of the town, meant that many people would travel to the shop in cars ­— contrary to policies regarding climate change.

There was also concern the store would draw people away from the town centre, which would lose strength and vibrancy.

Issues were also raised around potential flooding.