Plans for new Darlington Sainsbury's Local set to go ahead

The proposal for a new Sainsbury’s Local in Darlington will be considered by a planning committee next Wednesday (October 9). 

Elm Ridge Garden Centre closed in April 2023 after several decades of trading in the town. 

Initial plans were revealed for the Coniscliffe Road and Carmel Road South site later that month but were revised this summer.

Elm Ridge Garden Centre closed in April 2023 after several decades of trading in the town. (Image: The Northern Echo)

Ward Estates hopes to demolish the existing buildings and build the mixed-use site. The new Sainsbury’s Local would occupy the ground floor, with offices on the first and second floors. 

A new car park with 44 spaces is also proposed

Darlington Borough Council’s planning department has recommended the proposal be approved. 

The existing buildings on the site have been significantly stripped internally and externally since the closure. 

A statement from ELG Planning read: “The convenience store element is intended to be operated as a Sainsbury’s Local, with the applicant in discussion with them to take on the unit pending approval of planning permission. 

“These stores are targeted to be local ‘top up’ stores that allow more convenient access for local customers, reducing the need for dedicated, larger shopping trips to conventional supermarkets, allowing more local shopping trips and reducing the need to travel by car.”

Objectors submitted 43 letters against the plans, while four in support were sent to the council. Concerned residents questioned the need for another convenience store and warned of increased traffic.

However, one supporter said: “This part of Darlington is crying out for a good convenient store.”

Recommended reading: 

• New housing proposed on Darlington street set for major redevelopment
• Value for money and future of airport questioned amid financial concerns
• Uncertain future of historic Darlington building damaged by fire 

Subscribe to The Northern Echo now.

The proposal for a new Sainsbury’s Local in Darlington will be considered by a planning committee next Wednesday (October 9). (Image: The Northern Echo)

Existing convenience stores are the nearby petrol filling station; two stores on Cleveland Terrace; Mace store and Post Office at Blackwell and the Co-op at Mowden

A public art installation is also proposed for the site. Ward Estates said: “Taking inspiration from the history and setting of Elm Ridge the steel sculpture will be coloured and formed into the shape of the leaves, branches, flowers and creatures. 

“These creatures include the White Letter Hairstreak Butterfly and the Light Emerald Moth which are two of the many Lepidoptera that call Elm trees their home.”