TIMPSON could be opening a small shop in the car park at Sainsbury's Monks Cross store, if planners give the go-ahead.

The company, known for footwear repair, key cutting and dry cleaning, is asking city planners to approve a retail pod at the supermarket's site, off Jockey Lane.

The single-storey pod, which would be built by the supermarket's trolley park, would be compact - with a floor area of just 14.6sqm.

The pod will consist of horizontal timber cladding, fixed on to steel wall panels.

In a letter to planners, Stella Rialas of WSP on behalf of the applicant, Sainsburys, writes: "Retail pods such as these are a well established concept to existing retail sites and have been  introduced at many of Sainsbury's existing stores."

York Press: A Timpson retail podA Timpson retail pod

The supermarket already has concessions for Argos, Lloyds Pharmacy, Habitat and Sushi Gourmet - but these are all inside the store.

Ms Rialas said the new pod should not increase traffic to the site.

"The pod will rely largely on existing trade to the main store, meaning that it will not generate any significant travel or associated parking on its own right."

And she said it should not impact on city centre trade.

"The pod will serve those customers already visiting the store, providing convenience to customers and encouraging efficient shipping trips.

"Due to the small scale of the floorspace proposed, the pod will have no material impact on the vitality and viability of nearby town centres."

You can read the full application (21/02134/FUL) online at: planningaccess.york.gov.uk.

This summer, the council granted permission for Asda to open a Timpson pod in its car park at Monks Cross (planning reference here: 21/01320/FUL).

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