Newark and Sherwood District Council confirm planning permission required for Sainsbury’s to convert Homebase store on Northgate into a supermarket

Plans to bring another major supermarket to Newark must overcome an additional hurdle after the local planning authority found that an official application would be required.

In August, Sainsbury’s announced that they would be taking over Newark’s Homebase store on Northgate, with plans to convert it into a supermarket.

Initially, it was thought that work would be able to take place without going through the planning process.

However, it was confirmed to The Advertiser that when planning permission was originally granted to the Homebase store, it was with a condition that restricts the site to being a DIY warehouse only.

Newark and Sherwood District Council added that in order for the supermarket plans to go ahead, the retail giant must first submit a planning application for a change of use to allow the sale of food.

When the news broke, some residents voiced their concerns about a range of issues, including traffic and parking problems in the area. As and when the plans are submitted, residents and surrounding businesses will be able to make their official objections known.

The district council’s planning committee chairman, Andy Freeman, said: “When planning permission was granted to the store occupied by Homebase, located at the Northgate Retail Park, it was granted with a condition that restricts the store to being a DIY warehouse only.

“There is also a legal agreement in place that restricts the types of goods that can be sold (for bulky householder goods only, excluding food items).

“These existing restrictions will mean that planning permission and a variation of the existing legal agreement would be required to be approved before the premises could be used as a food store.

“If planning permission is sought, Newark and Sherwood District Council will consider all considerations and viewpoints as we do with every application.”

Should the plans go ahead, work is expected to begin by the end of the year, with a potential opening date as early as next summer.

The Advertiser has approached Sainsbury’s for comment.