Thatcham Sainsburys application a step closer
The supermarket firm has submitted plans to open a Sainsbury’s Local in a vacant office building in Coombe Square, on the junction of Chapel Street and Coombe Court.
Local residents have said that their quality of life would be affected if the store got the green light, and there were seven letters of objection citing issues of parking, litter and anti-social behaviour from people buying alcohol from the store.
Speaking at a Thatcham Town Council meeting last week, Sainsbury’s regional acquisitions manager, Robin Ockendon, said that the company had wanted to open a store in the town for some time and had undertaken extensive consultation with residents, which had produced a number of changes to the application.
The alcohol trading licence has had an hour shaved off either side of the store’s opening hours of 7am-11pm, while a barrier will be installed at the entrance to Coombe Square to prevent people abusing the car park.
CCTV cameras will cover the cash machine, side of the store and car park, while litter bins will also be provided.
Town council leader Bob Morgan (Lib Dem, Thatcham South and Crookham) said that the store would have a big impact on Coombe Court residents and suggested that a feedback session for residents to raise any concerns be arranged after six months.
Support for the store came from the chairman of the Thatcham Chamber of Commerce, Jeremy Cottam.
He said: “We believe Thatcham is starting to thrive...and we don’t see this store as direct competition to this.
“People drive through Thatcham and don’t see the shops at all but having a national brand on the A4 will raise the profile of Thatcham.”
Reflecting residents concerns, Owen Jeffery (Lib Dem, Thatcham South and Crookham) said that while altering the alcohol trading hours was a sensible move to help tackle anti-social behaviour, he asked Sainsbury’s to consider pushing the evening licensing time back to 9pm.
“There are problems in the Turnfields play area already but if you have the easy availability of alcohol nearby, I think that will be more of a problem,” he said.
Town councillors raised no objection to the plans, subject to the provision of cycle racks and signs directing customers to the store car park, and a stipulation that the shop signs are to be less bright.
Gary Johnson (Lib Dem, Thatcham West) said: “This is a great opportunity to have Sainsbury’s as part of Thatcham town but I hope and pray that they consult with local residents as they have real concerns.”
West Berkshire Council is expected to decide on the application by Thursday, October 9.
