Sainsburys will create jobs in Stoke Newington

More opposition to new Sainsbury’s store in Stoke Newington.

Sainsbury’s is facing strong opposition from a residents’ group to its proposal to build a new supermarket in the town centre of Stoke Newington.

Opponents of the chain had already forced the property developer for the site to reduce the size of the proposed supermarket by over 30% and remove plans for the creation of an underground car park and the demolition of buildings.  The developer issued details of the changes in August and is seeking feedback from local people until 16 September.  However, there is every indication that the changes have not dampened the opposition of a number of residents.

The local group stated that the new supermarket would add nothing to the town centre and would look out of place next to the other businesses and retail units.  It added that the store would cause job losses rather than job creation as it believes that smaller shops would be forced out of business.  Finally, the group has stated that the supermarket would have an adverse effect on the cemetery next to the site.

The developer stated that it had made extensive changes to the plans after having listened carefully to local opinion.  It added that the proposal met high environmental requirements and would create new jobs.