New Co-op Shop For Chippenham?

The old sorting office on Station Hill could become a Co-op store after Wiltshire Council granted planning permission last week.

Despite protests from some local residents and business’ the council voted in favour of the permission, which will allow The Co-operative to convert the former Royal Mail building into a convenience store with parking.

According to the planning decision, which was granted on March 31, Station Hill was formed by Brunel’s railway station on the Great Western Railway. It says: 

“Although now largely characterised by formal car parking and bus drop arrangements, the original station building, and importantly Brunel’s drawing office building, remain. The station, its footbridge and the office building are listed Grade II. The entire site and its surrounds are contained within the Chippenham Conservation Area.”

The planning proposal received 8 public objections, based on the following concerns:

• Would create too much traffic on Station Hill 
• Would keep customers out of town centre     
• Would cause unnecessary pollution and litter 
• Impact upon residents wishing to gain access to houses at Monkton Park estate Impact upon trade of local shop at Monkton Park (MS2 store)

And Chippenham Vision, the board responsible for Chippenham’s future development also objected on the ground that the conversion would clog up station hill and prevent any future plans to re-organise traffic flow.

But permission was granted. Wiltshire Council said: “ The application is for retail and office development that are entirely appropriate in this town centre location. 

Notwithstanding the concerns of the Council’s Principle Urban Designer, the proposal is considered to represent the best compromise between good urban design and the requirement for a safe form of development, as has been advised by the Council’s Highway Officer. 

“The proposal is considered to enhance the character and appearance of this part of the Chippenham Conservation Area, in complete compliance with adopted Local Plan policy.

“The concerns of local residents are acknowledged, but they do not, unfortunately, amount to a justification to refuse Planning Permission or Conservation Area Consent to demolish the existing buildings and walling on the site.”

Although it’s not yet clear when work will begin or when the store will open, The Co-op has 3 years to implement the plans.

What do you think about a new Co-op store? Is Station Hill busy enough already? Or is it welcome trade?