Rustington’s MP blasts ‘insensitive’ Sainsbury’s plan

The MP, whose constituency stretches into Rustington, is the latest person to criticise the new Sainsbury’s store, at the Rustington Retail Park, in New Road.

Sir Peter said he was appalled and shocked at the proximity and scale of the building which looms over nearby homes in Dinsdale Field and Burmill Mews.

The MP, who took time out of his summer holiday to view the site last week and speak to affected residents, has now written to Sainsbury’s head office appealing for the company’s directors to make an urgent visit to the superstore.

He added residents had raised concerns over that the company had applied to Arun District Council for planning permission to install a ground-floor generator and a rooftop air-conditioning unit.

Speaking to the Gazette Sir Peter said: “In my 38 years in politics I have never encountered such an insensitive development.

“It’s appalling. The idea that a superstore would put a generator outside people’s bedroom is wrong.

“I don’t believe the air-conditioning unit on the roof should be so close to people’s rooms, either.

“I have made a recommendation to homeowners suggesting they invite the main board of directors of Sainsbury’s to come and stay the night and hear just how the generator affects those living nearby.”

Daren Carpenter, Sainsbury’s project manager, apologised for any inconvenience, saying: “We have also recently submitted an application for the store’s plant which will operate below existing background noise levels and we are proposing additional mitigation measures to provide screening for our neighbours.”

He added Sainsbury’s had been in contact with residents and Sir Peter and that it was in the process of arranging a meeting to discuss possible solutions to the issue.

For the full story, see the Littlehampton Gazette (August 15).