From pub to grub : Derelict pub targeted by Sainsbury’s as potential new store

By Ben Lynch, Local Democracy Service

A new Sainsbury’s store could be set for 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 City 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. Five objections were however 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.

“We object to the hours proposed for deliveries and waste collection as think again this would be disruptive for local residents and would like a limit of 10pm or sooner. We are also very concerned as to how this will be done, on such a busy frontage.”

Others noted there were 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.

Sainsbury’s has been approached for comment.

Pictured top: The Chippenham in Shirland Road (Picture: Google Street View)