Postmill Close in Wymondham which will be the location for one of the new supermarkets ear marked for Wymondham

Third developer enters food store race in Wymondham

By ADAM GRETTON Saturday, February 4, 2012
3:00 PM

The race to build a new supermarket in Wymondham has taken a new twist after plans were submitted for a new store development on a coach depot.

Three food store plans on three different sites in the South Norfolk market town are now in the pipeline after a planning application was put in for land off Norwich Road and Postmill Close.

The proposal for a 3,720sqm (40,041sqft) superstore with 260 car parking spaces encompasses the Semmence Coaches site and the rear gardens of 30 - 32 Norwich Road.

The scheme by the Retail Development Partnership, acting on behalf of an undisclosed retailer, would create 120 full-time and 100 part-time jobs on the site, according to the agent for the development.

The proposals follow plans that have already been submitted for a 20,000sqft store at the former sale ground next to Wymondham Railway Station by Bride Hall Developments for one of the big four supermarkets. And comes amid the ongoing saga of the proposed sale of Kings Head Meadow by Wymondham Town Council for an Asda supermarket development.

In an application to South Norfolk Council, Marrons Solicitors of Leicester, said the current brownfield site off Norwich Road, which currently employs 60 staff, was in employment use, but was “part vacant” and had an “unkempt” appearance.

A report adds that the “convenience goods superstore” would result in the replacement of “visually very poor” commercial buildings and would “enhance the street frontage and street scene.”

Residents have until February 21 to comment on the latest food store plans, which fall within Wymondham’s conservation area.

No one from Semmence Coaches was available for comment last night.

The latest development comes as Wymondham Town Councillors will discuss at a meeting at Fairland Church on Tuesday night a motion to suspend plans to sell Kings Head Meadow to Asda until the completion of the Wymondham Area Action Plan and a full business case. The green space is currently the home of Wymondham Town FC.

More What's On stories

8 comments

Person "commonsense!" ... how wrong you are. If people are against change then how come so many people from outside of the county that now live here (a) chose to live in Wymondham and (b) are against this specific change of a green area into a shop. Not fear of change, but a broader understanding of the overall environmental impact.

Report this comment

MrTall

Friday, February 10, 2012
Perhaps I haven't enough commonsense, but I don't understand the argument that it has to be near the town centre. The existing supermarket in the Town Centre itself seemingly doesn't attract people, why would another one built behind it? People really will avoid the Town Centre if the road access is restricted and it most certainly will if Asda is built on KHM. How many people are going to go to Asda on KHM and then 'pop in' to Town to visit a charity shop, do some banking or buy a house? Fill the town centre with attractive shops and they will come. Build the supermarket on land which needs improving. The saleground and Semmence's yard are far better options.

Report this comment

Malarkey

Thursday, February 9, 2012
Having returned from the town council meeting it is quite clear there is a lot going on behind the scenes of Wymondham Town Councillors. Will you wake up Councillors - it is where you are trying to build this supermarket that is the problem. How much profit have you each made from this for your pocket? You claim to represent Wymondham yet you don't listen to Wymondham folk because if you did you would know everyone is against this site being used. I wonder why no one from Wymondham football club had the balls to turn up either - guess their pockets have been lined too. Can a vote of no confidence be done against Wymondham town Councillors does anyone know? Should the police be asked to investigate possible bribery corruption? Use the focus site for god's sake and leave our kids somewhere to pay football.

Report this comment

Treacle

Tuesday, February 7, 2012
This is totally ridiculous - why are we spending so much money battling against these developments in the town when there is a Focus site ready to use with easy access and not on green land!!!!! Just because Waitrose won't like it - well tough! When is someone going to wake up and do the right thing by the town folk!!! The issues are solely down to the location not which store it is.

Report this comment

Treacle

Tuesday, February 7, 2012
Amanda this is an awful site in reality a foodstore would improve it almost whatever the design! The biggest problem is that like that proposed for the saleyard it is too far away from the town centre meaning that the TC will suffer, only the ASDA proposal overcomes this and thats being fought by either Nimbys or those against change, so one of these other sites is likely to succeed and they will help destroy our lovely town, well done the anti ASDA group!

Report this comment

commonsense!

Sunday, February 5, 2012
So now we have 3 supermarkets trying to get into Wymondham and all are new builds. Can someone explain to me what is happening to the now empty Focus Store which would be an ideal location for such a store, or are Waitrose a bit concerned at the competition or have they objected, competition is a good thing in my eyes

Report this comment

Ian F

Sunday, February 5, 2012
I f this food store falls within the conservation area why then are the council even contemplating the proposal. I grew up at Eaton and the last time I came to Norwich I hardly reconised it.Norwich and Norfolk should retain it's heritage and keep what is England and stop going too fast into the 21st century.

Report this comment

Amanda.T

Saturday, February 4, 2012
Fast food in Wymondham? Will be the only thing that is.

Report this comment

Mad Brewer

Saturday, February 4, 2012