Sainsbury's submits second bid to open new supermarket next to Farmer John's pub in Streetly

Sainsbury’s has proposed to build a branch next to Farmer John’s on Aldridge Road.

It follows a previous, similar application on the same site which was refused permission by Walsall Council in July 2023.

Reasons for refusal included inappropriate development on the green belt, negative impact on the area, including the Great Barr Conservation Area, and harm to the open setting.

The supermarket launched an appeal against the refusal but it was later thrown out by planning inspectors.

The application site on the car park is located next to fields which have been allocated by Walsall Council for housing in its draft local plan.

Developer IM Land and Walton Homes has already earmarked the site for a new ‘neighbourhood’ of 850 homes.

If approved, the new supermarket would reduce the pub’s existing car park by 45 per cent, leaving 56 car parking spaces for customers and Farmer John’s.

It would be of single-storey design, finished in polyester powder coated composite aluminium panels in a dark grey finish.

Agent Alder King Planning Consultants said: “The car park of the adjacent Farmer John’s public house is currently too large and as a result is underutilised.

“The proposal will make use of this previously developed land and will deliver a locally focussed convenience store, with associated car parking, servicing and plant area within the land relinquished, whilst also assisting the long-term viability of the existing public house and its ability to serve the local community.”