Coulsdon shoppers face uncertainty over new Sainsbury's store

by Matt Johnson

matt.johnson@essnmedia.co.uk

Sainsbury's is still no closer to building its proposed new branch in Coulsdon, despite plans to spend £445 million on new stores across the country.

Shoppers have been waiting for the new supermarket to open on the site of the former Pinewood Garage in Brighton Road since planning permission was granted by Croydon Council in December 2007.

The application was to build a six-storey building containing a retail unit and 26 flats.

But more than 18 months on Sainsbury's still cannot say when they are going to be able to open their doors to the public.

There is now concern the development could fall through altogether, although Sainsbury's denies this.

David Rothburg, chair of the Coulsdon West Residents Association said: "There is a spark of concern.

"If you asked someone if they are worried I guess most people would say yes. The fact that it's not appearing must be a cause for concern."

Last Wednesday (June 17) Sainsbury's announced plans to raise £445 million to accelerate its store opening programme across the UK, following a 7.8 per cent rise in sales in the 12 weeks to Saturday, June 13.

Despite this the supermarket chain was unable to confirm when work would begin on its proposed Coulsdon store.

A Sainsbury's spokesman said: "Sainsbury's is continuing to work with the council to bring a store to Coulsdon but it is too early to tell how the recently announced £445 million will affect the store expansion plans across the country or in Coulsdon in particular."