Neston supermarket plan revealed

Mar 5 2008 by Lorna Hughes, Neston News

A SUPERMARKET giant has revealed details of a major redevelopment project it claims would “breathe new life” into Neston.

Last March Ellesmere Port and Neston Council invited four developers and store operators to submit plans for a new supermarket and town square on the car park behind the town hall.

Council officials believe a superstore is the answer to declining trade in the town centre and say studies show 70pc of residents’ weekly spending on household shopping takes place outside Neston.

This week CTP Limited, in partnership with Sainsbury’s, submitted a planning application for a 35,000sq ft store with 238 parking spaces.

Keith McCormack, director at CTP, said: “We believe these proposals provide an exciting opportunity to assist in the regeneration of the town centre.”

The Sainsbury’s/CTP scheme would include community facilities, 14 residential units, underground parking and a new town square for the Friday market.

Members of the public can view the proposals at an exhibition taking place at the following venues, all between 3 and 7.30pm:

l The Blackwell Building (rear of Neston Town Hall), Brook Street, Neston, on Monday, Wednesday and Friday March 10, 12 and 14.

l Little Neston Methodist Church Hall, Mellock Lane, Little Neston, on Tuesday, March 11.

l Neston Cricket Club, Station Road, Parkgate, on Thursday, March 13.

Council officers will also be on hand to answer questions at the Blackwell Building between 11am and 2pm from Tuesday, March 11 to Friday, March 14.

The Blackwell Building will be open to view plans at other times during this week and the following week when possible.

The planning application can be viewed on the council’s website at www.epnbc.gov.uk

The closing date for comments is Friday, April 14 and a final decision is expected to be made by the end of May.