Hundreds object to plan for city store extension

Objections to the plans, which are set to be considered on Monday, have also come from councillors, school governors and NHS Sheffield, which says an increase in traffic would lead to unacceptable air pollution.

The Deputy Prime Minister, Nick Clegg, has also written to the planning board in his capacity as a local MP, saying: "While many residents may welcome the extension in principle, they do have strong reservations over the current application.

"There are genuine concerns that the traffic would substantially increase if the application is approved. Residents also fear that the proposed extension would be detrimental to smaller shops, convenience stores and businesses in the local area, and substantially alter its character."

A spokesman for the Carter Knowle and Millhouses Community Group pointed out that an application to extend the neighbouring Tesco supermarket is also being considered, and added: "We believe that the Sainsbury's application is too big on its own.

"However, the planning board need to get a full appreciation of what that impact would be when the store was co-located with a flagship-sized Tesco Extra."

Sainsbury's proposals involve creating a new "atrium" on the Archer Road frontage, which would form a main entrance, restaurant, checkouts, escalators, stairs and two cash machines.

Car parking would be extended by 66 spaces to provide 614 spaces in total and 39 cycle hoops would also be installed.

If the plans go ahead 80 new jobs will be created, and Sainsbury's says most of these will go to local people.

A consultation carried out by the supermarket giant raised 122 letters in support of the scheme, and 14 further letters of support have since been submitted to Sheffield Council.

Planning officers at Sheffield Council have advised that the plans should be approved by councillors, saying that the extension would "considerably improve the store's accessibility for pedestrians, cyclists and disabled persons."

The planners say: "The proposals will enhance the design, appearance and accessibility of the Sainsbury's store, without unduly affecting the amenities of nearby residents."

If the plans are approved, Sainsbury's hopes to begin work on site in the new year.

Christian Wakelin, Sainsbury's regional development surveyor for extensions, said: "This council recommendation is testament to the effort we have made to develop a final scheme that responded to the issues raised by officers and the time that has gone into consulting with the community, our customers and other stakeholders, leading to important changes and enhancements to the plans."