New Sainsbury's for Hythe?

By ejones

Eleanor Jones

SUPERMARKET giant Sainsbury's WILL try to open a new store in Hythe.

The chain announced this week plans to redevelop the Smiths Medical site, on Military Road, into a 34,000 square foot retail space, with 270 car parking spaces.

Before any planning application is submitted to Shepway District Council, the company will have a public consultation in May, including an event at which locals can view and comment on the plans.

Hythe's Kent County councillor Chris Capon said: "I'm sure there will be mixed feelings about Sainsbury's coming to Hythe.

"It's a pity it's not in the High Street but to have a Sainsbury's in Hythe must be a terrific asset to the town.

"My concerns will be for the movement of traffic on and off Sir John Moore avenue, which has always been a problem in the past, and I shall make my views known to Sainsbury's so as to get the best possible development and access to it for all concerned."

For more information on the plans, call the Sainsbury's information line on 0845 6021151.

For the full story, see this week's Hythe Herald, out April 9.