RESIDENTS of Thame can now examine the plans for the new Sainsbury’s after the retail giant put in its planning application for the Cattle Market site.
The proposal for the 22,000 square feet store includes the construction of a new roundabout on North Street, an increase of 138 parking spaces and a new community centre.
The bid has been controversial from the start with many people expressing concern for the impact it could have on the town centre.
The plans have been drawn up by the superstore in response to public consultation carried out earlier this year.
According to Sainsbury’s some of the issues raised included the need for community use, the need for additional car parking, traffic, the character of Thame and the store’s relationship with the town centre.
Sainsbury’s say they have listened and have tailored their designs accordingly.
According to the application the new store will bring more shoppers into the town and stop them from travelling to nearby Aylesbury, Risborough and Wheatley to do their weekly shopping.
In response to parking concerns Sainsbury’s states that 203 short-stay spaces would be provided on the site to serve the store and town centre. Overall, an additional 138 spaces would be created in Thame if you take into account the existing spaces on the Cattle Market and new long-stay bays the retailer plans to build elsewhere in the town.
The on-site car park will include the capacity for parents to drop-off and pick-up children from nearby Barley Hill School. The proposals also include a new community centre which will be large enough to accommodate up to 225 people.
Sainsbury’s development executive, Andrew Sanderson, said: “We are pleased to have been able to evolve our proposals which directly address many of the comments raised. We believe a new Sainsbury’s in the town would help keep people shopping locally and provide a long-term future for the Cattle Market.”
The controversial bid has been handed to South Oxfordshire District Council and residents can make their feelings known by writing to the authority. To view the plans visit {http://www.sainsburys-thame.co.uk/|www.sainsburys-thame.co.uk|the website}.
