New Co-op store and housing plans divide Wiltshire residents

Developer The Long Field (Market Lavington) Limited has lodged plans to develop land south of The Spring in Market Lavington.

If approved, the scheme will involve the construction of 14 new dwellings and a food store which will be operated by Co-op.

Last year the supermarket chain confirmed it hoped to relocate from its High Street branch to a bigger store with a wider range of products and 15 car parking spaces.

An outline planning application for the scheme has been submitted to Wiltshire Council but sparked mixed reactions from villagers.

Concerns have been raised over the risk of flooding and traffic congestion.

Jean Francis said: “The road is already congested, further development will only increase this issue.

“It will be unsafe for pedestrians because of the increased traffic, particularly school children.

“The field is also a natural soak away and has flooded in previous years, as has The Spring itself.”

The current Co-op store in Market Lavington (Image: Google Maps)

Others have voiced support for the idea of an improved Co-op branch.

Jenna Sharp said: “It will increase job opportunities, encourage village use of a bigger better-stocked store, and reduce congestion in the high street.”

On January 23 developers presented the plans to Market Lavington Parish Council and representative Cole Bates was pleased with the response.

He said: “It was encouraging to see so many people interested in the scheme.

“We are mindful of concerns relating to traffic and flood risk and can assure the community that these have been addressed in our technical submissions and will continue to be the subject of positive discussion between the parties.

“The Market Lavington Neighbourhood Plan supports housing on this site, and through previous community consultations, it has become clear that there is also support for a new store for the Co-op.”

Mr Bates believes the new Co-op store will improve the retail offering for the village by overcoming the constraints of the current branch.

He added: “The existing Co-op store is physically constrained and has poor servicing arrangements, and a new store will improve upon this greatly.

“We strongly believe that the proposed scheme will be a positive addition to the village, providing much needed new homes and a new store with a larger floor area, able to supply a wider range of goods for the community.

“We look forward to continuing our conversations with the local community, Market Lavington Parish and Wiltshire Council as the outline application progresses.”