Whittlesey: New Supermarket

30 August 2012, 11:38 | Updated: 30 August 2012, 11:49

Plans for a new Sainsbury's store in the Fenland town of Whittlesey have been approved.

The application was approved following a four hour planning meeting at Fenland District Council yesterday (Wednesday).

Councillors decided to approve the proposals from Sainsbury's and refuse an application from Tesco to build a superstore in the town.

The application for the Sainsbury's store includes a country park and business park on Eastrea Road.

According to Fenland District Council, the application was approved largely because of 'overwhelming local support' for Sainsbury's in Whittlesey.

The Council also hopes a country park will in itself be attractive to visitors, who will then spend time in other parts of the town and boost the local economy.

Sainsbury's will also run a regular bus service from its store into the town, and has pledged to run a campaign to support local traders.

District Councillor for Whittlesey Martin Curtis, who supported the Sainsbury's application, told Heart: "I am delighted with the result, but we all know this may not be the end.

But I hope Tesco realise that this was the right decision for Whittlesey and let Sainsbury get on with building the store the town wanted."

The Sainsbury's proposals will be discussed further, including what contributions Sainsbury's will make to infrastructure in the local area, at the next Fenland District Council planning meeting in September.