by Emily Stott

estott@thekmgroup.co.uk

@emilyhstott

Plans for a Waitrose store in Sandwich have divided the town council.

At the Sandwich Town Council meeting on Monday, councillors discussed the application and came to the conclusion they would not object to the plans providing conservation and traffic issues were corrected.

This decision saw them voting six in favour and five against with the five believing the council should reject the Dover Road supermarket outright.

Cllr Joe Trussler said: “The traffic in St Bart’s Road, especially with the junior school, would be very busy.”

The councillors suggested there should be no right turn when leaving the Waitrose car park which they say would eliminate congestion problems.

Cllr Susan Laslett said: “When Dover District Council looked at the initial plans there was concern because it was part of the conservation area.

“I don’t think this is a suitable area to be developing on.”

The impact of a supermarket on local trade was also discussed. Mayor of Sandwich Cllr Bernard Butcher said few people would take the time to get out of their cars and venture into the town.

Cllr Jeremy Watts said: “This development would bring Deal people into Sandwich and might encourage them to shop in our local shops.

“There’s quite a strong body of public opinion in favour of this and not just for the supermarket but for the doctors’ surgery and the much-needed pharmacy.”

The plans include new premises for the Butchery Doctors Surgery and an on-site pharmacy.

The development is now under consultation and more information can be found at www.dover.gov.uk/planning by entering reference number DOV/13/00867.