The owners of a convenience store and post office in Darlington have warned they could go out of business if plans for a nearby site are approved.
According to local reports, Douglas and Marie Alderson, owners of Blackwell Stores, are objecting to a proposal to convert the former Elm Ridge Garden Centre into a mixed-use facility for a convenience store and offices.
Elm Ridge closed in April 2023 after several decades of trading in the town. The applicant Ward Estates hopes to demolish the existing buildings at Coniscliffe Road/ Carmel Road South before building the new facility.
The couple, who has been running the shop for nine and a half years, say customers are also concerned about the plans.
“Customers have expressed their worry about this development to us and what it will do to their community,” a statement read.
“We will do our best to try and continue to provide the services we do. However, a convenience-type development on the Elm Ridge site would have a huge impact on our ability to do this.”
Darlington Borough Council has received 44 letters of objection and four in support of the plans. Other concerned residents questioned the need for another convenience store and warned of increased traffic.
The couple said roadworks for a nearby housing development have already affected trade.
The statement added, “Since these started in July, we have seen greatly reduced footfall and this has also had a knock-on effect on some of our suppliers. We are currently deciding if we need to reduce our workforce because of this situation.
Meanwhile, Sainsbury’s confirmed it has pulled out of plans to open the new store - with a different retailer set to open instead.
The Local Democracy Reporting Service understands Ward Estates has agreed to another deal despite Sainsbury’s being named on planning documents.
