War over Sainsbury’s and Tesco jobs in Saffron Walden

28 Oct 2010 Sainsbury’s and Tesco will learn next month whether they will be able to expand in Saffron Walden. The applications will be determined by Uttlesford District Council’s development control committee on 23 Nov. Both bids have received strong public backing, although the usual nimby opposition groups have also been active.

The Saffron Walden Needs Sainsbury’s (Swans) group was has gathered a flock of 1500 members on Facebook. The town already has a Tesco store and a new Sainsbury’s store would provide competition and give shoppers more choice. With the last government's expansion policies coming into effect, the town is growing and more shopping facilities are needed.

Sainsbury’s plans to build its new superstore on the former Granite site in Thaxted Road and would be the company’s first venture in Uttlesford. It would include a restaurant, bus service, car park and the creation of 350 jobs. Tesco plans to expand its Radwinter Road store, so job seekers should get down there now to pick up application forms, and hope the nimbys lose the day on 23 Nov...