New store plan on scrapheap

Sainsbury’s was granted permission to build the new store, in Fleetwood Road North, Thornton, in 2012.

The big name retailer wanted to build a 50,000sq ft store close to Thornton Cleveleys Football Club which would have created around 400 new jobs.

But the London-based chain today admitted it was no longer pressing ahead with the scheme, blaming changing market conditions for the u-turn.

Planning permission for the land has now expired and Sainsbury’s indicated it would look to sell off the site.

A spokesman said: “We have not taken this decision lightly and are very disappointed we are not able to bring forward a new shop in Thornton Cleveleys.

“Since the proposals were first announced, shopping patterns have changed considerably and following a review the scheme is no longer viable for us. We will now be marketing the site for sale to interested businesses.”

Sainsbury’s and other traditional supermarket retailers have been hit hard by the rise of discount stores such as Aldi and Lidl.

Both have stores close to Thornton and are expanding their foothold on the Fylde coast.

Coun Howard Ballard, who represents Bourne Ward, was disappointed the firm had not relayed its decision.

He said: “It is disappointing that this information was not forwarded to us.

“Employment is always welcome and, with the new housing developments nearby, this scheme would have been of benefit to the area.”