Renewed plans for a Sainsbury’s supermarket in Stoke Newington re-ignited controversy this week after the developers redrafted proposals for a scaled-down scheme, but with even more flats.
Plans have been revised for the proposed store at Wilmer Place, behind Stoke Newington Church Street, which attracted a widespread campaign of opposition when they came to light last year.
It included an anti-supermarket protest by campaigners dressed as “zombies,” amid fears it could spell the end for struggling independent shops and businesses.
The new store will be 33% smaller, according to the latest proposal, and plans for a basement car park have been scrapped.
The new plans, by developer Newmark Properties, also include a greater number of flats than previously and more affordable housing.
Victorian buildings previously earmarked for demolition will be retained.
A spokesperson for Newmark Properties said: “We have listened to the feedback we have received and made some significant changes to the scheme.”
He added: “The scheme has improved a lot since last year thanks to the feedback we received from the local community and the Council.”
A spokesman for Stokey Local, a campaign established last year to oppose the new Sainsbury’s, said: “We have now heard that the developers are making a revised application. In other words, our original campaign has been a success in preventing the first wholly inappropriate application from proceeding.”
They urge people to visit the developers’ consultation next week: “Let’s ensure that the developer knows that this community cares about developments in the community.”
Reaction to the new plans on Twitter was negative.
@Lolipopa tweeted: “There is literally one 2 minutes away and it’s awful. WHY?” whilst @watchbriefmedia added: “Simple – enough of theses “metro/express” stores killing small businesses – either Tesco or Sainsbury’s every 100 yards. Enough!”
Residents and traders are invited to view the plans on site at Wilmer Place on Tuesday May 29, from 12-8pm.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here