Rumour: Sainsbury's deal off

Village chit chat suggests that the Sainsbury's deal is off.

This is a shame if this is the case.

Presumably, local committees made it as difficult as possible for Sainsbury's to locate here.

Good!

[NeilC]

thanks for the info.

Probably the upcoming depression that killed it (idle speculation)

it appears that something is happening at chattaways.....anyone know anything about it?

[NeilC]

looks like it is going ahead. I know that nearby retailers are relieved because there has been a problem with rats in the derelict building.

Something to think about next time you go the chippy and order a kebab

[CraigyB]

But not to ask for

[CraigyB]

Plans are still afoot for this development work to continue. Delays have been caused because Benfields original partners on the job dropped out forcing them to find new contractors.

The new partners are seeking to amend the original plans (mainly in relation to the apartments I believe) and may result in the plans having to be reapproved by the Council.

Perhaps if Sainsburys were to apply to open yet another Ethnic resturant or maybe another off licnnce they would feceive far better acceptance from our local planners. Im sure they will consider there is room for plenty more to displace ourr current suite of Balsall Common retailers

[CraigyB]

Yes Martin,

And I don't think we have enough hairdressers yet either. We could probably do with another 6 or 7 of those, including one on the roundabout.

It's such a shame the village idiots forced the deal off, my bet is that the land will be just left to waste for much time to come now.

No too sure who the 'village idiots' are but I think you'll find that the problems of the delay to the development are to do with the finances of the developers. There is support for this within the community even amongst the parish/borough planning committees. There were objections to the original building and modifications to the roof and the access to parking were requested. A further application for licensing was also made and passed with the same restrictions that apply to the other off-licenses in the village.

There has been much talk of extra housing in the parish and this development comes with 14 flats which is widely welcomed.