Sainsburys finally get planning permission for new store at Meols Cop in Southport

After a judicial review and long delays Sainsburys can now begin to construct a new store on the site of the now closed Homebase. The Sainsburys on St Georges Place on Lord Street must stay open for five years after the new Sainsburys opens.

 A spokesperson for Sefton Council said: “We are pleased that a High Court ruling has found in favour of planning permission being granted for the creation of a Sainsbury’s superstore in Meols Cop, Southport.

“This decision to find in favour of the council’s initial judgement is warmly welcomed and reiterates the extensive discussions, analysis and due diligence conducted by Sefton’s planning team throughout this process.

 “Members of the local authority’s Planning Committee resolved in 2020 to grant planning permission for the proposed Sainsbury’s store on Meols Cop Retail Park, subject to the application being referred to the Secretary of State.  

 “This permission remains wholly subject to the provision that from the date of any new store at Meols Cop opening, Sainsbury’s must continue to trade from the Lord Street store for a minimum of five years.  

“Should Lord Street close prior to that five year period, it would then mean there can be no further trading from the Meols Cop store. 

 “This precaution is covered by a legal agreement as we continue to help safeguard the continued health and regeneration of Southport Town Centre.

“Work to construct the Meols Cop Store can now begin.”