Tesco Express plans for former Chippenham Wilko criticised

Tesco recently applied to Wiltshire Council for approval on several aspects of their planned new Express store, at the former Wilko unit on Chippenham High Street.

These proposals included the installation of a new projecting sign, illuminated and non-illuminated box fascia, and an ATM to the east of the store.

But during a Chippenham Town Council planning meeting, councillors raised several concerns about the applications, claiming some elements were “unsympathetic” to the building and its surroundings.

While the committee emphasised that it supported the vacant unit being brought back into use, members objected to the designs for new signage.

Cllr Matthew Short said: “We all welcome the re-use of the shop and people are very excited that Tesco is moving.

“It’s an opportunity to improve the signage and Tesco do have heritage signage in different places so I agree we should object to improve it in a way that fits in with the surroundings a bit better.”

The old Wilko store in Chippenham (Image: Newsquest)

Cllr William Douglas added that Tesco’s iconic signage would not be in keeping with the area.

He said: “It’s very unfortunate Tesco has blue as one of its colours so we must accept the fact they’re going to use blue which is not in the same tones as the area.

“That area has a sort of dirty feel about it so if it can improve the area in some ways it should.”

Councillors also objected to the design of the new ATM on the basis it would “harm the appearance of the building” by creating a “dominant” section of dead frontage.

The council added they were not opposed to either the signage or the new ATM and that revised designs for both aspects would likely be supported.

Tesco told this paper it will work closely with council officers to agree on a final design for the proposed Chippenham Express store.

The current Tesco store in Chippenham (Image: Newsquest)

The supermarket chain’s move to the High Street comes after it announced it would close its Emery Gate superstore.

The new Express store will occupy one of the new units in the old Wilko building after the former store was split into three.

A public consultation is currently running on the applications for new signage and a new ATM, as well as plans for a new fence, coolers and air conditioning units to the rear of the property.

Wiltshire Council has set a decision deadline of March 21.