Somerdale convenience store plan scrapped

PROPOSALS for a convenience store at Somerdale in Keynsham have been withdrawn.

Local councillors have expressed their disappointment that One Stop Stores has decided not to proceed after licensing was granted by Bath and North East Somerset Council in February 2024.

Cllr Alex Beaumont (Keynsham North, Liberal Democrats) has been in correspondence on the matter with Tesco, owner of One Stop Stores, since May 2024 on behalf of residents.

He said: “While I understand it is for One Stop to take a commercial decision, nevertheless residents will be deeply disappointed.

“We’ve spoken to lots of residents who were keen for a nearby shop for everyday essentials, so this is an unfortunate setback.”

Tesco confirmed to Cllr Beaumont last month that it was not proceeding with the store and further confirmed to Keynsham Town Council this was due to a “strategic review”.

One Stop Stores had said it hoped to open a store in May last year after being granted a licence for the unit at the Chocolate Factory, the commercial block next to St Monica Trust’s Chocolate Quarter retirement village.

At the time, some neighbours were concerned that alcohol sales could lead to antisocial behaviour in the area, causing noise and litter.

But St Monica Trust backed the application, saying that its residents had been petitioning for a shop, including the provision of selling alcohol, since the retirement village opened in 2017.

Cllr George Leach (Keynsham North, Liberal Democrats) added: “It is frustrating for residents, who were promised various amenities by developers over 10 years ago when they first purchased their properties in Somerdale, that have yet to materialise.

“I do believe the government should do more to prevent developers advertising features that, in practice, they have little control over.

“It is a bit misleading to claim a new development will have a shop if you don’t have a committed operator lined up, for example. Residents want infrastructure when new housing is built, such as GPs, dentists, shops and other amenities, and there should be more emphasis on developers to make their proposals a reality when applying for planning permission.”

The Voice approached One Stop Stores for comment but received no reply.