Plans for discount supermarket on Didcot gasworks site

Martin's Properties is running a public consultation on proposals to redevelop the brownfield site on Abingdon Road in Didcot. 

The current derelict buildings would be replaced with a discount food store which is not named at this stage, a flexible commercial building that could be a restaurant, cafe or takeaway and a self-storage business.

It would create up to 60 jobs once completed, alongside additional employment during construction, and with good opportunities for these jobs to be sourced locally, said developers.

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The proposals also include new green landscaping and tree planting within and around the edge of the site and parking for cars and bicycles, including electric vehicle charging.

Aerial view of the proposed site on Abingdon Road (Image: Martin's Properties)

The site is occupied by the remains of a former gas holder, which was demolished around 10 years ago, and a derelict office building.

Martin's Properties said: "The proposals will deliver a new discount supermarket alongside other commercial space, in a sustainable manner, significantly improving the appearance of this derelict site, increasing local facilities and responding positively to the planned new housing development on the opposite side of Abingdon Road."

750 homes are due to be built on the land immediately opposite the site and there is a Local Plan allocation for an extension to the town of more than 2,000 homes north along Abingdon Road.

"While Didcot does have food stores, this growth means that there is now demand for another discount supermarket," said the developer.

​"Not only will a new discount supermarket help to meet this demand, but it will benefit the town as a whole by providing more competition, increasing choice and keeping prices low."

Measures to minimise any impact on the site's nearest neighbours would include "a considerate lighting strategy" to prevent light pollution spilling out of the site and  supermarket and standalone unit would be single-storey buildings with no risk of overlooking.

The self-storage unit would be taller, but set farther from nearby homes, avoiding any impact on their daylight or sunlight, and with no windows overlooking neighbouring properties.

Site drainage would be improved compared to present conditions and the regeneration will support sustainable transport.

A consultation brochure said: "The new food store will be a short walk or bike ride from thousands of residents, especially once the new homes on the other side of Abingdon Road are built and occupied.

Proposed layout of the regenerated site (Image: Martin's Properties)

"The new residential development will also create a new network of footways and cycle routes, and new crossings over Abingdon Road and Hadden Hill.

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​"Cycle parking will be provided to encourage staff and customers to arrive by bike – 18 Sheffield stands, with space for 36 bikes.

​"There are also a number of bus stops within walking distance, with the closest located on Broadway approximately 150m south-west of the Abingdon Road and Hadden Hill roundabout."

By car the site will be accessed from Abingdon Road, using the existing junction.

A full Transport Assessment will be submitted with the planning application, which will consider the impact on local roads and roundabouts.

Parking will be provided for up to 131 cars, including electric vehicle charging.

There would be relatively few lorry movements, with the budget food store typically receiving only one or two deliveries per day, said the developers.