Co-op revamp to follow decision (From Cotswold Journal)

Co-op revamp to follow decision

6:00pm Thursday 14th February 2013 in News

A STRATFORD District Councillor says Shipston needs to improve its current food outlets after plans for an out-of-town supermarket were rejected.

The district council’s planning committee threw out the application to build a supermarket and petrol station on the outskirts of the town on January 24.

The plans, put forward by Ainscough Strategic Land (ASL), included a retirement development of 80 cottages and 50 apartments and up to 54 residential dwellings on land off Campden Road.

Planners refused the application on the grounds that the supermarket would have an adverse impact on the town centre and would not enhance the quality of the area.

Following the decision, Shipston ward member Councillor Richard Cheney said he has asked the High Street Co-operative store for an urgent meeting to discuss how it can be improved.

“Many people have told me that they would like to see the Co-op upgrade its stores in Shipston,” he said.

“Now that the planning committee has rejected the divisive application for an out-of-town supermarket, I think it is time for the town to come together and ask the Co-op to improve its retail offer.

“They have recently told me that there will be a major refurbishment of the larger store later this year but I’ve asked Coop for a meeting to see if we could develop the store further.”

A Co-op spokesperson said the business was planning to invest cash into the existing store.

“Our store in Shipston has served the local community for many years,” she said. “We are committed to the town and to offering the best possible customer service.

“We are always looking for ways to further improve our offering in the town and the planned £600,000 investment this summer, at our High Street store, will bring a brighter, fresher store, with a wider range of fresh produce and new layout.”