Former Surrey pub to become Sainsbury’s

A former pub is set to become a new Sainsbury’s convenience store despite local objection to the plan.

The Ash Tree, in Convent Road, Ashford, officially closed its doors in January 2023.

Councillors on Spelthorne Borough Council’s planning committee agreed to change the use of the pub to a retail unit, which officers had recommended for approval.

But residents expressed concerns the new store would put pressure on street parking, increase traffic and air pollution, encourage anti-social behaviour and that there are“too many” convenience stores nearby.

Speaking against the application at yesterday’s meeting (April 3), one person said it is “plainly obvious that the Sainsbury’s Local is not wanted by the local residents”.

Referring to 206 objection letters, the resident said “the figures speak for themselves” and that the convenience store would be a “real threat to established and thriving businesses”.

Whilst the existing nearby convenience store (Nisa Local) expressed unease, planning policy does not seek to prevent competition and so refusal could not be justified on this ground.

Proposals include a new lift at the back of the building, an ATM, new sliding doors, removing the pub garden windows and garage, and installing a new level access ramp.

The existing 12 parking spaces would be converted to 11, with one reserved for blue badge holders and another for electric vehicle charging, as well as a bike rack.

Objecting residents argued that restricted parking would lead people to park on the side of the road, discarding double yellow lines and ultimately cause traffic congestion.

Concerns were also raised that nine car spaces would be inadequate parking for customers. It was noted by the committee that the store “anticipated” the majority of its customers to come by foot, bike or sustainable travel like public buses.

Although councillors agreed parking could be an issue, it was confirmed that many people are likely to walk to their local convenience store rather than take a car.

Surrey Highways Authority and Environment Health (EH) raised no objections to the application; EH also requested early morning deliveries be excluded to prevent noise impacting residents.

Vacant for over a year, of the 79 letters of support received, residents said the current “derelict” building was an “eyesore” and it was a good use of space providing more choice of shopping in the area.

The committee heard the Sainsbury’s Local convenience store would provide the additional 25 jobs and “rejuvenate the site”.

Supporting the proposal, Cllr Malcolm Beecher (Staines) said: “This is keeping a building alive in Ashford and not being flattened and replaced by a block of flats,”

Cllr Howard Williams (Staines) clarified that the committee could accept the change of use of the building from a pub to retail, but could not reject it based on disliking the occupier. The officer confirmed the council cannot control the occupier.

Change of use permission was granted with 15 in favour and one against.

A Sainsbury’s spokesperson said: “We are delighted that the council has granted planning permission for our new Sainsbury’s Local store in Ashford. We are excited to offer the local community good food at affordable prices and we will keep residents updated on our plans as we get closer to opening our new store.”