Developers have unveiled plans for a new Tesco superstore in Devizes, Wiltshire, promising a 'parkland setting' with lakes and trees, a description more akin to a grand country estate than a supermarket. The proposal, by Robert Cort Properties, includes a Tesco superstore, a drive-through Starbucks, and a DIY store on a 7.4-hectare site on the outskirts of Devizes, within the parish of Bishops Cannings.
Site Details and Nearby Developments
The site sits adjacent to a plot earmarked by Aldi for a new store. Development partner PRZM Real Estate has already submitted a planning application for a £10 million, 1,800 square metre store with a drive-through coffee shop, along the A361 London Road. Nearby is the former Cannings Hill filling station, now housing a car dealership, motor workshop, and hand car wash. Last month, McDonald's announced plans to build a drive-through restaurant on that site.
Robert Cort Properties, based in Reading, previously sought permission for a business park on the former MoD land, 1.5 miles east of Devizes town centre. Wiltshire Council rejected that plan, but it was approved on appeal in 2024. However, due to low demand for a business park, the company shifted focus to retail, citing employment opportunities as a key planning benefit.
Economic Impact and Job Creation
Managing director Jonathan Skull, who has family ties to Marlborough and played cricket for Devizes, said: 'I feel it could be a lovely plot that the community could benefit from.' He noted the development would boost the local economy, creating jobs and apprenticeships. 'A lot of young people, especially, are struggling to find jobs,' he added.
Tesco's property acquisition team member Lee Nicoll confirmed the retailer had been 'actively looking for a site for a large store' in Devizes. At 40,000 sq ft (1,800 sq m), the supermarket would be 'slightly larger than Marlborough, slightly smaller than Calne, and around a third of the size of the Trowbridge supermarket.' The store will feature fresh produce, an in-store bakery, health and beauty section, clothing, cash machines, click and collect, and home delivery services, but no filling station. It is expected to create 75 to 80 new jobs and operate from 7am to 11pm.
Design and Traffic Considerations
Architect Robert O'Reilly acknowledged the site is just 400 metres from the North Wessex Downs National Landscape boundary. 'We want to integrate a strong parkland look, with lakes and trees,' he said. 'It won't be boring grey boxes in a boring grey landscape.' He assured sufficient parking to prevent spillover into residential streets.
Transport consultant Paul Greatwood argued the development is unlikely to generate additional traffic. Instead, it would allow residents in the growing eastern part of town to shop without navigating the town centre. He estimated four HGV deliveries daily, with one fresh produce delivery in the morning.
Community Feedback and Timeline
Devizes currently has a town centre Sainsbury's and Morrison's, plus an edge-of-town Lidl. Nicoll noted the local economy loses £4 million annually to Tesco in Trowbridge, and the new store would retain more revenue locally. Developers were asked about coordinated development; Skull said, 'The Aldi application and this one are likely to be considered together by Wiltshire Council, who will want us to take a holistic approach.'
Public feedback is sought until July 21. A planning application will be submitted to Wiltshire Council in September, with a decision expected in early 2026, allowing construction to start in 2027. An in-person public consultation will be held at Devizes Corn Exchange on Tuesday, July 7, from 1pm to 7:30pm.
