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PLANS for a new Waitrose store and shopping walkway have finally been welcomed by people in Chipping Sodbury.

The proposals for the upmarket supermarket behind High Street, several other retail units and a housing development were revised to include a pedestrian bridge over the River Frome after the first round of public consultation raised several objections.

Residents first said they wanted to make sure shoppers could easily access existing shops in Chipping Sodbury on foot so the town's traders would not lose out.

Developer Chelverton Deeley Freed's director Paddy Fox said: "From the start we were aware that any development in this area would need to take into account the unique landscape of the area and particularly the needs of the local community.

"As elements of the scheme have attracted criticism we face some difficult challenges, and it is clear that we still have some way to go on getting the details right.

"Overall, however, we are very pleased by the element of support and the interest shown by the townspeople in the future of Chipping Sodbury."

A two-day exhibition was held in the town hall earlier last month and the developers said a large majority of people told them they were in favour of the revised plans.

Waitrose director of development Nigel Keen said: "We recognise that people in Chipping Sodbury are passionate about their town and retaining its character.

"We pride ourselves on becoming part of a town's fabric, which is why we wanted to communicate our plans to as many people as possible.

"We were delighted by the positive feedback a proposed Waitrose received with many members of the community welcoming a quality food shop that would complement other local businesses.

"We were particularly encouraged by local retailers keen to see Chipping Sodbury continue to flourish and retain more of the weekly grocery spend in the local vicinity."

A formal consultation will continue with councillors and developers expect to have submitted a planning application to South Gloucestershire Council by the autumn.

2:49pm Thursday 15th May 2008

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