Source: http://www.cranleighvillage.net
September 2003

Store Wars Go To Public Inquiry

A government planning inspector will have the final say in deciding whether the Somerfield supermarket can be extended in Stocklund Square, it was confirmed this week. This follows the appeal lodged by developer Tony Cook's Storegap Securities against Waverley Borough Council's rejection of his plans for the site, with Sainsbury’s earmarked to take over the enlarged premises. Storegap argues that the proposal is fully in accordance with Government guidelines, that it its extension would be relatively modest, and that a large percentage of local residents are currently heading off to shop in Guildford, Godalming and Horsham.

Source: http://www.cranleighvillage.net/newsdetailauto.asp?from=prev&id=343

It's Final - Sainsbury's Is Coming!

Following an overwhelming 10-1 vote in favour of the controversial store in Stocklund Square, Sainsbury's should be trading in Cranleigh within the next 12 months. The final move in the long-running saga came at the borough’s planning committee meeting that approved the revised plans, and developer Tony Cook said he hopes work will begin by the beginning of next year - subject to a legal challenge from the existing supermarket operator on the site, Somerfield.

Supporters of the Friends of Cranleigh group, which had long campaigned against the scheme, packed the gallery of Waverley's Council chamber, and they said later in a statement: 'This application, while not as good as we had hoped, does seem better than previous, and we are thankful for the last-minute concessions from the developer.'

Councillor Richard Worby, who had appealed at the last-minute for the silent majority in favour of the scheme to 'come out of the woodwork' and air their views, was overwhelmed by the response, which temporarily knocked the Waverley e-mail system out of action. 'There is no doubt at all that there is a considerable volume in favour,' he told the Surrey Advertiser. 'The response came from a whole cross-section of the community, young and old, newcomers and long-term residents, individuals and traders, all of whom felt that Stocklund Square needed a facelift, and that Cranleigh was in need of a better supermarket choice.'

Source: http://www.cranleighvillage.net/newsdetailauto.asp?from=prev&id=420

A statement from Sainsbury's:

Sainsbury's has for some time sought to renovate and rebuild a 30-year-old store currently operated by Somerfield in Cranleigh, England's largest village.

A planning application was submitted in 2002 and consent was finally secured in September 2003 at the fourth attempt. To achieve the consent Sainsbury's needed to secure support from local traders, the Parish Council, Borough Councillors and the wider community.

Despite objections from some in the local community, an opinion survey showed overwhelming support for the proposed store and indicated that some 75% of local people shopped outside Cranleigh because of the lack of a quality supermarket.

Full: http://www.j-sainsbury.co.uk/cr/index.asp?pageid=67&caseid=cranleigh#start