Sainsbury's cannot confirm Dorridge start date

SAINSBURY’S has said it cannot confirm when work will begin on its Dorridge superstore – while a nearby petrol station it bought is not expected to re-open until next year.

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The firm said it finalised legal agreements almost 12 months after planning permission was given for the Forest Court scheme by Solihull Metropolitan Borough Council.

A spokesman said: “We are currently in the process of tendering for the demolition of Forest Court and the build of the new store, although at this moment we are unable to confirm a date for when this will happen.

“However, we are also using this time to plan the detail of the development carefully, taking into account various elements, including safety, access, parking and day to day construction operations. Minimising disruption to neighbouring residents and businesses, surgery staff and patients, and the wider community is extremely important to us.

“In the meantime, we now have 24-hour security on site at Forest Court and have been liaising with the Police to combat any issues of anti-social behaviour.

“We remain committed to regenerating the Forest Court site and we look forward to being part of the community in Dorridge.”

It was announced in July that the firm had bought the Total petrol station in Grange Road, which it pledged to keep open for the “full Sainsbury’s offer”.

Yet it recently closed and the firm said: “We are developing a programme of works, taking into consideration any planning requirements this may entail.

“We appreciate the patience of residents whilst our plans are developed and the site remains closed.”

The Dorridge & District Residents Association said it expects a planning application to be made to the council for the site.

It said: “Given that the application will need submitting and there needs to be a decision from SMBC who are allowed up to eight weeks to determine an application, then it is unrealistic to expect the petrol station to re-open until well into the New Year.”