Sainsbury's buys Bishop's Waltham petrol station (From Basingstoke Gazette)

Sainsbury's buys Bishop's Waltham petrol station

1:50pm Wednesday 10th October 2012 in Winchester By Emma Chandler

SAINSBURY’s has completed the purchase of a petrol station only yards from its proposed new site in Bishop’s Waltham.

The superstore has acquired from Rontec the existing Total filling station on Winchester Road.

It is part of a nationwide deal of Sainsbury’s buying Total outlets across the UK in an undisclosed deal.

Total vacated and handed ownership of the site to Sainsbury’s on September 27.

Sainsbury’s says it is now preparing plans to redevelop the filling station to provide a new kiosk building and fuel pumps.

Any changes will be subject to the necessary discussions and required planning consents from Winchester City Council. A planning application for the works will be submitted later this year.

A Sainsbury’s spokesperson said: “We are pleased to announce that we are bringing our popular and affordable fuel offer to Bishop’s Waltham.

“The new petrol filling station will be a separate facility to the new main foodstore at the Abbey Mill site. We will keep the local community updated on our plans as we move forward,” he added.

Sainsbury’s won planning permission earlier this year for the supermarket despite strong opposition from some local traders and residents.

A public inquiry was held last week into the question of Sainsbury’s closing a section of Station Road. A decision is not expected for some weeks.

Anyone who wishes to discuss the proposals, is encouraged to contact the company’s community information line on 0845 6021151.