A shop has been proposed
The former site of a beloved cafe could become a Sainsbury’s Local instead of a GP or vets, according to new plans. The site which used to house the beloved Chief Trading Post café is also home to assisted living facilities provided by Elim Housing and 48 affordable homes from Alliance Homes.
Many of the new homes, and the assisted living properties, have been completed and are now occupied. The proposed Sainsbury’s on Barry Road, Oldland Common, would be in addition to a new CTP café, the construction of which is yet to begin.
The proposed location of the Sainsbury’s Local within the site was originally earmarked for a GP surgery, but that fell through due to a lack of funding, according to planning documents submitted to South Gloucestershire Council on behalf of developers Oldland Common LLP. Attempts to find other healthcare-related uses for the site also failed to bear fruit.
“The Applicant has explored other potential uses of the Site including dentists, vets, and a nursery,” the planning documents said. “After 2 years of marketing however, no interest in using the Site for the approved uses has been found.
“The Applicant has therefore considered alternative uses for the Site that would complement the CTP retail/café and adjacent homes.”
The nearest shops to the proposed Sainsbury’s are a convenience store and Morrison’s Daily in Oldland Common, with much more varied and larger offerings available at Longwell Green, about 2.5 miles from the development site.
“A review of local facilities showed that there is limited convenience shopping in the area,” the planning documents said. “Given the Site’s main road frontage and proximity to public transport, it is considered a good location for a new convenience store to serve the existing local and growing community.”
The homes being built or which have completed construction on the brownfield site include two-bedroom bungalows, two-bedroom houses and a small number of three-bedroom houses.
Alliance Homes described the new development as “modern living in the country”.
“Alliance Homes is creating a mix of homes that will include bungalows and houses,” according to the company’s website. “All within close proximity to Keynsham Railway Station (a 5 minute drive) and access to the Bristol/ Bath cycle path is short distance (sic) away.”
The assisted living facilities from Elim Housing consist of six self-contained bungalows for people with learning disabilities, autism and complex care needs who may currently be in hospital or at risk of hospital admission.
The original Chief Trading Post, a beloved garden nursery, café and farm shop, closed down in December 2022.
