Sainsbury’s have given the strongest indication yet of committing to Whittlesey after submitting amended plans for a 30,000 square feet store in Eastrea Road.

Cambs Times: The proposed layout.The proposed layout. (Image: Archant)

The company says the fresh application “represents a minor redesign from the previously approved scheme.

“The access arrangements have had to be revised due to land ownership issues, from a four arm roundabout to a three arm roundabout and the site boundary has been slightly amended.”

The application for the Eastrea Road site includes a petrol station, three roundabouts and a 54 acre country park.

A “hopper” bus service will ferry people from the site to the town centre.

The supermarket will have room for nearly 400 cars and to improve access, a roundabout will be built on Eastrea Road. Two smaller roundabouts will be built on site.

Extra trees and shrubs will be planted around the perimeter of the site.

The design and access statement says the store will create jobs and “enhance” the area.

It said: “The proposed store will create new jobs for the local community and deliver sustainable economic growth.

“It represents an efficient and sustainable redevelopment of an agricultural site.

“The Eastrea Road street scape will be enhanced by the careful mix of high quality materials used to articulate the facades and the overall contemporary and modern design of the building.

“The proposed development complies with policy at local, regional and national level.

“Key benefits include a building of high quality design combined with landscape design that enhances the site as a gateway element at the approach to Whittlesey town centre.

“It is a sustainable development with increased linkage with the town centre - a modern supermarket offering a greater shopping choice to the local community.”