Post office's concern over plans as Sainsbury's pulls out

Douglas and Marie Alderson, of Blackwell Stores, joined more than 40 people in objecting to a proposal to convert the former Elm Ridge Garden Centre into a mixed-use facility for a convenience store and offices. 

Elm Ridge closed in April 2023 after several decades of trading in the town. The applicant Ward Estates hopes to demolish the existing buildings at Coniscliffe Road/ Carmel Road South before building the new facility. 

Mr and Mrs Alderson, who have owned the shop for nine and a half years, say customers are also concerned about the plans. 

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

“Customers have expressed their worry about this development to us and what it will do to their community,” a statement read. 

“We will do our best to try and continue to provide the services we do. However, a convenience-type development on the Elm Ridge site would have a huge impact on our ability to do this.”

Darlington Borough Council has received 44 letters of objection and four in support of the plans. Other concerned residents questioned the need for another convenience store and warned of increased traffic.

The couple said roadworks for a nearby housing development have already affected trade. 

The statement added: “Since these started in July, we have seen greatly reduced footfall and this has also had a knock-on effect on some of our suppliers. We are currently deciding if we need to reduce our workforce because of this situation. 

Meanwhile, Sainsbury’s confirmed it has pulled out of plans to open the new store - with a different retailer set to open instead. 

The Local Democracy Reporting Service understands Ward Estates has agreed to another deal despite Sainsbury’s being named on planning documents. 

A statement from ELG Planning read: "The applicant has secured a national convenience store operator for the proposed retail unit. This will secure the much-needed redevelopment of what is currently a prominent vacant site to deliver enhanced local facilities for the community, as well as a number of new job opportunities."

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The applicant Ward Estates hopes to demolish the existing buildings at Coniscliffe Road/ Carmel Road South before building the new facility. (Image: The Northern Echo)

However, the prospect of new competition from another retailer is a cause for concern. Existing convenience stores are the nearby petrol filling station; two stores on Cleveland Terrace; and the Co-op at Mowden. 

Mr and Mrs Alderson said: “It makes us wonder what increased competition would do to our small business and others like us within a similar distance to this proposed development. We acknowledge that the site requires change and development, however, something more in keeping with the area and of more benefit to the community would be a better option.” 

The proposal will be considered by a planning committee next Wednesday (October 9).