THE new housing estate at the Chief Trading Post in Oldland Common could have a supermarket on the part of the site that had been intended for a GP surgery.
The developer, Oldland Common LLP, says the plan was for the local doctors’ practice to relocate to the site but funding for a new building was not available.
Alternative potential uses including a dentist, a veterinary surgery or a nursery were explored but after two years of marketing there was still no interest, so the developer has drawn up plans for a Sainsbury’s Local on the site off the A4175 at Barry Road.
In its application to South Gloucestershire Council for “a simple, modest supermarket”, it says: “Given the site’s main road frontage and proximity to public transport, it is considered a good location for a new convenience store to serve the existing local and growing community.”
The store would have a 17-space car park and six cycle spaces. New trees would be planted on the boundaries.
A number of residents have posted objections on the council’s planning website, focusing on the likely increase in traffic and the creation of a dangerous exit and access on a busy road at the top of a hill, as well as the negative impact on local businesses.
One objector said: “The development of the Trading Post area was on the clear basis of a medical facility, which is vitally required for this development and any more plans.
“There is no need for a retail facility in this location – one can walk to one in five mins.”
Another said: “This proposal offers no meaningful benefit to the community and instead poses serious and long lasting harm. It replaces a necessary healthcare facility with an unwanted retail outlet, will worsen traffic conditions, increase safety risk, and damage cherished local businesses.”
The plan can be found on the council planning website with the reference P25/01717/F