South Oxfordshire District Council is currently reviewing plans for a new discount retailer in Henley, with a public consultation running until September 19.
The proposal involves transforming the existing Jewson’s premises on Reading Road, with the building materials supplier relocating to the former Gibbs and Dandy location.
The German-owned supermarket chain has committed approximately £9 million to the development, which is anticipated to generate 40 employment opportunities in the area.
The planning submission encompasses several technical studies, including ecological, flood risk, biodiversity, and noise assessments.
An independent survey conducted among local residents between January 7 and January 29 attracted 853 responses.
Results indicated 82 per cent of participants expressed conditional support for the scheme, while roughly 78 per cent responded favourably regarding the proposed store design.
Tyler Grange Group, acting on behalf of the retailer, addressed environmental considerations in planning documents.
The representative noted that the current site contains habitats of minimal ecological significance.
The removal of non-native ornamental hedgerow, considered locally important, would be offset through planting native hedgerows and trees.
Proposed enhancements and new habitats, incorporating native species, would improve the ecological value of the location and increase biodiversity provisions.
The proposed trading schedule would see the outlet open from 8am until 10pm Monday through Saturday, including bank holidays, with Sunday trading restricted to 10am until 4pm.
Daily operations would involve approximately four heavy goods vehicle deliveries, with one arrival scheduled before the store opens each morning.
Elliott Saunders, the company’s real estate director, stated that the developer appreciated the backing received and intended to maintain dialogue with local residents and council officers, expressing optimism that a planning determination would follow later in the year.
Local residents also contributed their views during the consultation period.
Kim Bennett described the proposal as an excellent opportunity that would introduce additional retail competition while creating employment.
Sophie Smith suggested the store would bring considerable advantages to families on lower incomes and single-parent households, arguing it would be impractical to reject such a proposal given potential economic benefits for Henley.
Thames Water submitted no formal objection to the application, though conditions were proposed.
The utility company requires the developer to provide guidance on reducing groundwater discharges into the public sewerage network.
Should consent be granted, the water provider has requested that the council require the applicant to secure a groundwater risk management permit from Thames Water.
One objection has been registered with the planning authority.
Joseph Nicholson raised concerns regarding potential congestion, specifically noting that the current plans do not propose any modifications to vehicle access arrangements at the site.