8.0 Conclusion

8.1 Whilst it is accepted that many residents and shopkeepers object to the principle of an enlarged shop that may be occupied by Sainsbury’s, as addressed earlier in this report, officers cannot recommend a refusal on these grounds as retail is a permitted form of use that does not require planning consent.

8.2 Officers have undertaken a thorough assessment of the Service and Delivery Plan submitted by the applicant, and have visited the immediate area on several occasions to observe parking patterns during the day. It is acknowledged that parking levels to neighbouring residential streets are high, however there are short term on-street parking opportunities to the corners of those roads and Honor Oak Park. The applicant has also suggested the provision of secure cycle spaces to the front of the shop.

8.3 An existing loading bay is positioned close to the shop, and can accommodate an 11 metre long delivery vehicle. Due to the size of the shop, the larger deliveries would take between 30-40 minutes, which would include taking away refuse waste. Other deliveries should take no more than 10 minutes.