Campaigners give up Sainsbury’s fight (From Echo)

Campaigners give up Sainsbury’s fight

12:00pm Friday 8th June 2012 in News By Emma Thomas

CAMPAIGNING residents have given up their fight to stop a new Sainsbury’s being built in their road after the superstore managed to secure a booze licence.

Sainsbury’s has taken over half of the former Geoff Bray car dealership, in Eastwood Road, Rayleigh, after rival chain Tesco pulled out of a bid following strong, local opposition and problems with parking.

Rochford District Council had previously been given permission to change the building from a car showroom to a supermarket, but residents quickly raised concerns about traffic and disruption.

Sainsbury’s then took it over and applied to sell alcohol prompting residents to turn out to the licensing meeting to express their views.

Keith Mael, who lives in Eastwood Road, said people didn’t want the Sainsbury’s Local store opening up just 100 yards away from an existing Co-op store.

He said: “What’s the point?

“The crux of the whole thing was there isn’t a need for a second supermarket in the first place.

“It is the wrong place, this is a residential area. It is going to spoil the area. Everyone is concerned about the increase in noise, litter and traffic.”

About 100 people objected to the original application to change the use of the premises from a car showroom to a shop, but it was passed by Rochford District Council.

Mr Mael, 61, said there had been a lot of opposition to the scheme, but he and others were now resigned to the fact a new shop would open.

He added: “They have applied to have a cashpoint machine there now too. It is all going to go ahead. I don’t think there is much else to be done now. I am very disappointed.”

The car dealership closed last November and so far no planning application has been received for the other half of the site, which was also owned by the Geoff Bray dealership.