200 jobs in store for Sainsbury's Alsager supermarket

FRESH plans to build a supermarket creating up to 200 jobs have gone on show to the public for a second time.

And Sainsbury's says it is hopeful its new proposals for a store in Alsager will now win the support of planners.

The company was forced to scrap its first planning application in May after officers labelled the design "poor".

Under the new plans put forward for the supermarket on part of the Twyford Bathrooms site:

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The store has been redesigned to feature more glass windows and brickwork;

The service yard has been moved away from the proposed new access road to the side of the store;

The amount of landscaping on the site has been 'significantly' increased, including opening up part of the water course adjacent to Lindley Lane;

A new area of public realm has been created, linking the store to the proposed residential development, including new pedestrian and cycle route.

Sue Smales, Sainsbury's town planning manager, said: "Obviously we were disappointed when concerns were raised with the first application, but we have spoken with the planning officers and taken what they have said onboard. "The size and location of the store is the same. We're hopeful the changes we have made will please everyone this time around.

"We are still very much committed to bringing a new supermarket to Alsager and the majority of feedback we have received from the public has been very positive."

Sainsbury's claims the 25,000 square foot store will boost the town's economy by retaining more shoppers.

The store would have 290 parking spaces, a petrol station and a new access road and roundabout off Linley Lane.

The development would form part of a wider masterplan for the site, which includes building 335 new houses on the land.

Concerns had previously been raised that the supermarket would force smaller, independent stores in the town out of business.

But visitors to Alsager's Civic Centre, where the new plans went on show to the public yesterday, welcomed the supermarket.

Steve Groves, a 60-year-old retired Metropolitan Police officer who lives in Fields Road, said: "Alsager is dying on its feet and this supermarket could be the development which helps to revive it.

"We have a Co-op supermarket in the town but it's expensive, the queues are long and the staff aren't helpful. They should put on a free bus to the Sainsbury's store for the residents, particularly the elderly, for the first year it's open."

Retired process worker Linda Shaw, aged 66, of Talke Road, said: "I'm very much in favour of the supermarket opening. I go to Aldi in Kidsgrove because there just isn't any choice in Alsager."

Sainsbury's expects to submit a planning application to Cheshire East Council in the next month.