(Article appearing in the Town Crier 23.04.88)

Following St. Ives Town council's recommendation for approval, Hunts District Council has been given the 'green light' to an application for a Waitrose store in St. Ives.

The planning committee unanimously approved the application to erect a supermarket for Waitrose (comprising some 28,5000 sq, ft. gross), and four retail shops (three comprising a total of 7,400 sq. ft. gross) together with servicing and car parking comprising some 96 spaces in Station Road on the site currently occupied by Vindis Garage.

Cllr Sue Green expressed the views of many when she said "I am glad a major business is locating in the town centre as opposed to developments outside, such as the Rainbow superstore."

She added: "It's the most fantastic idea for St. Ives for some time - the best thing that's happened in about three years".

This follows a consultant's report which identified the fact that a considerable amount of available spending power in the town was going elsewhere and that it was necessary therefore to make provision for further facilities in the centre.

It was also felt the location of the store would provide a feature at the end of. Station Road of some significance, providing a focal point at the end of the town.

It is believed that the introduction of the store would clearly be of economic benefit to the remainder of St. Ives.

However, approval for a further application to relocate Vindis at the junction of Low Road, Fenstanton, was deferred.

The committee accepted an amendment proposed by Cllr Derek Holley to limit the development to that half of the site outlined for Vindis and not to include future commercial development.

In addition, the application is subject to consultation with Anglian Water who are concerned that the site lies within the flood plain.

Source: Town Crier.23/04/1988