A start date for works to commence at a controversial new Sainsbury’s supermarket in Southport has finally been revealed.
In 2017, the supermarket chain received planning permission last year to demolish the former Homebase site at Meols Cop Retail Park and build a 60,000 sq ft store and petrol station.
The application was highly contentious and only approved following a public inquiry.
But despite the plans being approved, work never started and in October 2018, Sainsbury’s formally submitted new plans for a smaller 50,000 sq ft store at the same site.
And documents on Sefton Council 's website now state building works will begin in September of this year.
As well as the main store, the development will feature a petrol filling station with a 'kiosk' and public recycling facility, new car parking, landscaping and associated infrastructure works (following the demolition of some existing buildings)
Councillor and former Southport MP John Pugh has fought against the plans since their inception, arguing it would lead to a hugely damaging effect on the town centre, as well as putting huge strain on the local highway network.
He recently said: “Time has moved on and the thinking behind the megastore has not aged well and nor has the town centre, which will lose footfall if [the existing Sainsbury's on Lord Street] and others move out."
The new proposals will be discussed at a Sefton Council planning meeting on Wednesday (July 3)
