Plans for Sainsbury's shop at Houston given the go-ahead

The company has landed planning permission for works at Crosslee Crescent, which will see a change to the layout of some of the shops in the row.

The proposals will see three of the units turned into one, with alterations made to the shopfront to allow for new sliding doors and a cash machine.

In a report produced by the planning department, council officers said: “This application seeks planning permission for the erection of an extension to the rear of a shopping parade including external alterations in association with the amalgamation of three existing units to form one larger unit.

“An existing hot food takeaway located at the end of the existing parade would remain in place.”

A resident raised some concerns about the plans, including potential disturbance from deliveries, noise, traffic congestion and inappropriate parking.

However, in their assessment of the application, officers said: “It is considered that the extension is of an acceptable design, scale and finish and would not have a detrimental impact on the property or surrounding area.

“It is also considered that the enclosed plant area would be a typical feature that would be present within a service yard area for a commercial property.

“The shopfront alterations are also considered to be appropriate and would be sympathetic to the building such that there would be no significant adverse impact on the character and appearance of the surrounding area.”

The local authority said the proposal was in line with the provisions of the development plan. It gave the go-ahead but attached a condition relating to the noise levels associated with the development.

Sainsbury’s was made aware of the decision at the end of last month.

Detailing its reason for approval, the council said: “The proposal accords with the provisions of the development plan and there were no material considerations which outweighed the presumption in favour of development according with the development plan.”