Work has started on a £2.5m Lincolnshire Co-op food store in Coates, near Whittlesey, which many villagers opposed. The store is being built on land previously used by John Deere dealership, Anker of Coates. The site has been vacant for more than 10 years.
Objectors – 43 of whom were Coates residents – ranged from overdevelopment, loss of view/outlook, parking, shop not being needed, and “no requirement for Co-op on this land”.
Others pointed out that there was “large Aldi within 2 miles – 2 other Co-ops and 2 Nisas serving Whittlesey” and “stores are expensive and stock a minimal selection of products – 90 per cent support for Aldi to be built, overwhelming objection to Co-op”.
Objectors included Whittlesey Town Council who feared it would have “a detrimental impact on the surrounding area, there are road safety issues with the close proximity of the school”.
However, Fenland District Council agreed at the end of last year to allow the Co-op to go ahead with their 280 square meters store that includes 19 parking spaces and is expected to create 13 jobs.
Six letters of support comprised four from people in March Road, Coates, and two from Burnthouse Road, Turves.
Points in favour included the store being “a great addition to the village” and the “current site is an eyesore” and “great use of a brownfield site”.
Lincolnshire Co-op overcame issues regarding parking, turning, loading, and unloading to ensure these movements stay clear of the main A605.
“Opening in spring 2025, there will be a large range of essential items on offer, including freshly baked goods, fruit and vegetables, frozen produce, food on the go, meal options, and a variety of chilled beers and wines,” said a Co-op spokesperson.
And it promises to stock many locally sourced items including from producers such as Grasmere Farm, based in Peterborough, and Elgood’s Brewery, based in Wisbech.
Lincolnshire Co-op is an independent co-operative society operating services locally, including food stores in Whittlesey, Crowland, and Spalding, as well as a travel branch and funeral home in Spalding.
Community champions sees hundreds of thousands of pounds donated every year. Recently, the society fundraised local breakfast clubs, and recipients included the nearby club at Park Lane Primary School in Whittlesey.
Lincoln-based building firm Maher Millard Construction has been appointed to lead the construction of the new store.
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.”
As part of Lincolnshire Co-op’s ongoing commitment to sustainability, the new store will feature several environmentally friendly initiatives.
These include soft plastic recycling facilities and energy-saving fridge doors, which cut emissions by an estimated 27%.
Steve Leach, chief operating officer at Lincolnshire Co-op, said: “We are 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.”
LINCOLNSHIRE CO-OP FACT FILE
Lincolnshire Co-op is an independent co-operative society. Its purpose is to bring together ideas, energy and resources to make life better in communities. It has around 300,000 members and 2,900 local colleagues in Lincolnshire and the surrounding counties and an elected board of directors who oversee the business.
The society provides valued services and supports the local economy from outlets across its trading area including food stores, filling stations, post offices, travel branches, funeral homes, a florist, a crematorium and community libraries.
It also cares for people’s health and wellbeing through its pharmacies and support for a network of wellbeing walks. Local good causes benefit through its Community Champions scheme and together, colleagues and members also look after the local environment through volunteering.
As well as its trading outlets, Lincolnshire Co-op owns properties, from flats and houses to commercial premises. The society brings land and buildings back into use to create attractive environments.
With Lincolnshire Co-op as landlord, rents stay local and are invested in schemes that benefit the community.
