Newark Sainsbury's supermarket - developers claim 75% of people support plans at public consultation round

The Newark Sainsbury's supermarket proposal has received a hugely positive initial response, say the developers behind the scheme.

Mulberry Developments, in partnership with Sainsbury’s, hopes to deliver a supermarket with a 31,000sq ft sales area and more than 260 parking spaces.

It would also have a a six-pump petrol station and create 200 jobs and bring with it what are said to be significant road improvements to Great North Road in Newark where it would be located on the former county council highways depot.

However, although a planning application has yet to be submitted, consent could be an issue for the district council as the land isn't designated for retail usage as defined in the council's core strategy which has passed through the test of a public inquiry.

Sainsbury’s town planning manager, David Lazenby said: “The response from the community has been fantastic and we really hope we can secure permission to deliver the new store, a much needed additional petrol station and lots of job opportunities for local people.

"Local support is what will help us get planning permission so we urge our supporters to really get behind the plans at every step.”

The plans were unveiled at public exhibitions last weekend and Mulberry says they were met with over 75% initial support from public consultation feedback, with a further 15% of respondents currently supporting some of the plans.

Comments are said to include the local need for another petrol station, local access to a modern Sainsbury’s foodstore, the regeneration of the unused site and the opportunity to see highways improvements along Great North Road.

Additional lanes on Great North Road, free parking at the store and turning right from Kelham Road were among the range of highways-related improvements also discussed, as well as the benefits traffic signals could provide if they were linked to the level crossing for improved traffic flow following a closure.

Public consultation will now continue until mid-July, with the formal deadline for responses on Friday the 18th. The planning application is due to be submitted in September.

In the meantime, feedback can be provided at www.sainsburysnewark.co.uk

Anyone wishing to discuss the plans can call Freephone 08000 356 480.

Mulberry Developments director Oliver King said: “I would like to thank all the residents and councillors that attended our public exhibitions and for all the positive comments and support for the proposals.

"I would also like to assure people that we are taking on board all the comments we receive and will be maintaining our engagement with local councillors, neighbours of the site and the community in general.

“Our main area of focus will be to progress details of our proposed highways improvements, which we know local people are very passionate about.

"We are really looking forward to developing this aspect of the plans and providing benefits for all road users.

"We remain extremely confident that we can have a positive impact on traffic flow and again, I would like to thank all those who took the time to discuss the variety of improvements we are proposing.”