A reserved matters application for a long-delayed Sainsbury’s supermarket for Arborfield has been approved, one of 18 retail units in a new district centre for the expanding village.
Work will start soon on the 2,349 sq m store off Nine Mile Ride Extension and Sheerlands Road which could be open by the end of 2025.
The district centre itself, which includes 206 homes, was given reserved matters approval in October last year.
Cllr Lindsay Ferris, executive member for planning and Local Plan, said: “We’re pleased to be announcing further progress on shops and other amenities in this area, which we know are long-awaited so we’re thankful for residents’ patience.
“The Sainsbury’s store, in particular, will make it easier for people to pick up a range of purchases without driving or ordering online deliveries, both of which result in more emissions.
“It’s cheaper and healthier to walk, cycle or take the bus, as well as being better for the environment, and we strongly encourage new development to promote this as much as possible.
“Following a period of unfortunate delay, caused partly by the coronavirus pandemic and its impact on retail nationally, we’ll continue working closely with everyone involved to ensure the district centre takes shape as quickly as it can.”
In addition to the 18 retail units the district centre will have a pedestrianised high street and public square plus space for a pre-school, a day nursery, public house and a community building.
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