Work starts on £2.5m Lincolnshire Co-Op food store in Coates

Work has started this week on a controversial new store in a Fenland village.

Plans by Lincolnshire Co-Op to build a £2.5m food store on March Road in Coates garnered dozens of objections when they were submitted at the end of last year.

Nearly 50 people objected including Whittlesey Town Council with concerns raised including the site’s proposed access.

However, in February Fenland District Council approved the shop, which is expected to have around 382 square metres of retail space and 19 parking spaces. It is also expected to create 13 jobs.

Conditions attached to the permission included limited opening times of between 7am and 10pm, and the widening of the footway between the vehicle access and pedestrian access to two metres.

Announcing the start of the work Steve Leach, chief operating officer at Lincolnshire Co-Op, said: “We’re excited to get moving with this build, and even more excited at the opportunity to be part of the Coates community.

“We strive for high standards across the board and are determined to provide a valued service in a modern, purpose-built store that combines convenience, sustainability, and support for the local economy.”

Lincoln-based Maher Millard Construction Ltd is building the store on the site which was previously the forecourt of tractor dealer Anker of Coates until 2010. The plot of land has stayed empty for the last 13 years.

David Millard, director at Maher Millard Construction, said: “We’re delighted to continue our successful relationship with Lincolnshire Co-op, and to provide an excellent facility to the Coates community.”

Whittlesey Town Councillor Roy Gerstner said on his blog: “When this came to Fenland planning, there were quite a number of objections, some planning related and some not.

“I made strong representations on the fact that Vehicles speeding through that area was very high and the highest recorded was over 100mph.

“I’m not against the development however ‘Highways’ had no issues (again) with the facts.

“I sincerely hope that with the nearby school enhanced speed checks are carried out (I will ask).

“Lincolnshire Co-Op is very community-focused and has supported many organisations within the Whittlesey area.”

The new store is expected to open in spring next year.