Press coverage - Waitrose in Chipping Sodbury

Press coverage following the recent announcement to go ahead with plans for a new Waitrose in Chipping Sodbury:

BBC Online:
Chipping Sodbury Waitrose approved by council planners

This is Bristol:
Store opponents refuse to give up

Gloucestershire Gazette:
Waitrose given the go ahead in Chipping Sodbury

South West Business:
Divisive store may open in late 2012

'Chipping Sodbury and Waitrose - the unbelievable reality’

South Gloucestershire Council have formerly approved the planning proposals to develop the Barnhill Quarry site within the town of Chipping Sodbury. The area now looks set to get a new residential housing development and Waitrose superstore, changing the area to the north of the town significantly.

The planning proposals have been approved despite many questions being left unanswered from many local residents and nearby independent retailers.
• What about the increased risk of flooding to properties, and the significant number of lorry movements – both affecting residents along the St John’s Way route.
• What about the impact upon the local market traders in the High Street?

Residents of the Yate and Chipping Sodbury area already benefit from a wide variety of supermarkets including the soon-to-be upgraded Tesco. Is there really a need for another large retail outlet?

One fact remains: These proposals have already been rejected in a voting process by the residents of Chipping Sodbury. With this in mind, how can it be possible that the proposals can be approved against the wishes of the local community?

So many questions remain unanswered and yet the planning proposals have been approved.

BBC Article: Changes to Chipping Sodbury supermarket plan proposed

A link to a report published on the 11th of January, 2011 on the BBC website - click here to find out more.