Sainsbury’s eyes up a ‘derelict’ former pub for new site

By Ben Lynch, Local Democracy Reporter 

A new Sainsbury’s may be coming to Maida Vale as the supermarket chain eyes up a ‘derelict’ former pub.

The Shirland Road premises had a licence to operate as The Chippenham until November 2020, when it was suspended due to ‘non-payment of annual fees’.

A second licence was granted in October 2019, to turn the building into a Co-Op, though Westminster council documents state this was ‘surrendered’ in December 2023.

Sainsbury’s has now earmarked the site as the potential spot for a new 24/7 store, with its application due to be heard by the council’s Licensing Sub-Committee on Wednesday.

No representation was filed by the council’s Environmental Health Service in response to the proposal. But, five objections were received, including from the Paddington Waterways and Maida Vale Society.

In its submission, the society wrote: “These premises are located in a very busy road, served by many buses. 

“There are also residential units over shops nearby. We believe the activities and the 24 hour opening proposed will add significantly to the nuisance and noise late at night, in addition to impacting on antisocial behaviour.”

Others noted there are already several establishments nearby including convenience stores, and raised concerns that a new Sainsbury’s may result in issues such as worsening traffic and negatively impact independent shops.

A single submission in support of the application was also received, in part due to it proposing to bring a ‘derelict site back into positive use’ and provide a greater variation of food options and jobs.

A list of conditions are proposed as part of the application, including not supplying alcohol at times when there is no designated premises supervisor, and stipulating there should always be a staff member comfortable with the CCTV system during the store’s opening hours.

Sainsbury’s was approached for comment.

Pictured top: The former Chippenham Pub in Shirland Road, Westminster (Picture: Google Street View)