PLANS that would see a new supermarket built in Hook could include a fuel station.

It was announced in 2014 that Sainsbury’s had submitted plans to build a new supermarket in the village, to the north of London Road at the roundabout with Griffin Way.

Houses on the site were demolished in 2017, and now the company have submitted a request for pre-application advice with Hart District Council, with a four-island petrol station part of the updated proposals.

It would also see the tree planting promised in the car park plans reduced, whilst the size of the store will be reduced by 759 square metres and plans to operate home deliveries from the store have been shelved.

There will also be 46 less parking spaces.

Sainsbury's have said that there are "no firm plans at this stage".

The cover letter submitted to HDC alongside the plans by WYG Environment Planning Transport Ltd, on Sainsbury’s behalf, said: “Sainsbury’s is now looking to bring forward the development of the store.

“Since the original scheme was granted permission, Sainsbury’s requirements have changed slightly meaning that we need to seek a small number of amendments to the scheme.”

Speaking about the plans, Hart District Councillor for Hook, Dermot Smith, said that more information was needed: “It’s difficult, we know that some residents that live nearby were quite worried about it being a base for home deliveries because there would be movements for quite some hours.

“That has been taken of the table. On the other hand, they are now wanting to put a petrol station in there. It might help in the price of fuel but it has its own problems.”

The revised plans also contain minor elevation changes to the store.

A Sainsbury's spokesperson said: "Sainsbury’s is committed to building a new store in Hook.

"We are in the process of making slight amendments to the previously proposed scheme and will be shortly submitting these amendments to Hart District Council for their approval.

"We will send letters out to local people and stakeholders before we submit any applications.

"Sainsbury’s is considering the possibility of a petrol filling station in Hook however there are no firm plans at this stage."

What is pre-application advice?

Pre-application advice is provided by planning officers employed by the council, which outlines how the council are likely to determine any subsequent planning application, and any changes that are likely to be needed, if any, to give a scheme the best chance of being granted a planning permission.

The guidance given is informal advice and does not bind the council in any future decision it makes.

How can I have my say on the plans?

The pre-application report is available from the Hart District Council planning portal. You can view the full documents, and let HDC know your concerns, by clicking here.