Supermarket giant Sainsbury's has reignited a local planning controversy by submitting a fresh application to construct a convenience store on the car park of a popular Streetly pub.
Second Attempt for Aldridge Road Site
The new proposal seeks to build a single-storey Sainsbury's branch adjacent to the Farmer John's public house on Aldridge Road. This marks the retailer's second bid for the site, following a nearly identical application that was rejected by Walsall Council in July 2023.
That initial refusal was upheld after an appeal to the planning inspector was dismissed. Councillors had ruled the development was inappropriate for the green belt, would cause harm to the open setting, and negatively impact the nearby Great Barr Conservation Area.
Details of the New Proposal
If given the green light, the new store would occupy a significant portion of the pub's existing parking. Plans indicate it would reduce the pub's car park by 45 per cent, leaving 56 spaces to be shared between supermarket and pub patrons.
The building itself is designed as a single storey structure, finished with dark grey polyester powder coated composite aluminium panels. The application has been prepared by agents Alder King Planning Consultants.
In their submission, the consultants argue that the pub's current car park is oversized and underused. They state the plan would utilise previously developed land to deliver a locally focussed convenience store, while also supporting the long-term viability of Farmer John's.
Broader Development Context
The application site sits next to fields which Walsall Council has allocated for housing in its draft local plan. Developers IM Land and Walton Homes have already earmarked this area for a new neighbourhood comprising up to 850 homes.
This latest move by Sainsbury's sets the stage for another potential planning clash, pitting the demand for local amenities against policies designed to protect the green belt and local character. The decision now rests with Walsall Council's planning committee once more.
