SUPERMARKET giant Sainsbury's should be allowed to open a new store in York's Hull Road, despite widespread local opposition, city officials have said.

The firm wants to create a new superstore on the site currently occupied by B&Q. It says its move would create around 400 jobs, and provide a useful shop for a large part of York, while B&Q has said it would look for a new site nearby, but many locals have objected.

Councillors will consider the application next week and have been advised to refer it to the Secretary of State for consideration and to allow it if there are no objections at that stage.

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Around 1,700 people had signed a petition organised by Graham Kennedy of the nearby Innerspace petrol station and shop, 93 local residents wrote letters objecting, and Osbaldwick Parish Council raised concerns over traffic, opening hours and a lack of renewable energy.

The parish council said in a statement: "Given that this facility will undoubtedly be well used by local people it is disappointing to have to object at all but sadly it looks like opportunities to improve the site significantly and restrict traffic flow through surrounding residential areas are not being taken."

Sainsbury's said it had looked at expanding its store in Foss Bank but said that while it was investing there, expansion was no longer possible due to Go Outdoors having moved in next door.

City of York Council planning officer Diane Cragg said there would be no adverse impacts on the city-centre and said the site was already built-up and accessible.

She said: "In the absence of any harm being identified that significantly and demonstrably outweighs the benefits the application for a new supermarket at the B &Q site is supported."

Mr Kennedy yesterday said his reaction was one of ‘disgust,’ and said officers had ignored concerns and warnings of traffic gridlock.

York Press: Graham Kennedy, front, and staff at the Hull Road filling station, who are protesting about plans for a Sainsbury’s supermarket nearby

Mr Kennedy, pictured previously while protesting against the plans

Residents raised numerous objections, claiming York had enough supermarkets already, that small businesses may suffer in Dunnington, Heslington and Fulford, that the redevelopment would lead to unsustainable traffic levels, that Sainsbury's may later add a petrol station threatening the viability of other local businesses and that drivers may use Osbaldwick as a rat-run.

The application will be considered by the council planning committee at West Offices at 4.30pm next Thursday, January 22.

At the same meeting, councillors will also be asked to approve £25 million plans to turn the council's former offices in St Leonard's Place into houses.

Previous attempts to attract a top hotel chain failed and instead the offices are to be turned back into town-houses, as they were originally.

Developer Rushbond's plans were welcomed by local conservation groups and Jonathan Carr has advised councillors to approve the plan.