Sainsbury’s is planning to open a new convenience store on the site of a long-established car showroom in Stoke-on-Trent.
An application has been submitted seeking planning permission to change the use of the existing Fast Lane Motor Cars showroom on Longton Road in Trentham.
According to planning documents, the owner of the car company is consolidating his business activities, with the car sales function relocating to an alternative nearby premises.
A planning statement says the scheme would “facilitate the ongoing sustainability and futureproofing of the wider business operation” rather than result in the loss of a local business or jobs.
The proposed store is expected to create up to 20 jobs, including full and part-time positions, as well as providing training opportunities.
It would have a 240 sq m sales area and 308 sq m of total internal floorspace.
Plans include 12 car parking spaces and six cycle spaces, with only limited external alterations to the existing building.
The proposed store would operate with vehicles entering the site from the east and exiting to the west, creating a one-way system for customers.
Deliveries would be made directly from the road, with vehicles able to access the site and unload via the customer entrance.
The planning statement adds: “Whilst convenience retailing is not typically a destination use, this store will serve part of Trentham, which is not currently well served by other convenience stores, making it the most convenient store in this vicinity.
“It will also serve some passer- by trade. In this respect, the proposed use is inherently sustainable, reducing the need for longer journeys to larger stores and centres and supporting a more localised pattern of shopping.”
The site has a long history of commercial use. It was previously occupied by a service station before planning permission was granted in 1986 for its conversion into a car sales showroom. It has remained in use as a showroom ever since.
