Plans for a new $4 million IGA supermarket on Bridport’s main street have been unanimously approved by Dorset Council.
The project will involve knocking down three existing buildings and replacing them with a brand-new supermarket complex, complete with 39 car parks, retail spaces and public toilet facilities.
The approval came with several conditions after residents raised concerns about proposed delivery times as early as 4:30am, which council officers deemed “unreasonable” for residential amenity.
A town planner told the meeting that fruit, vegetables, milk and bread can now delivered from 5:30am, while all other deliveries will be restricted to 6:30am or later.
The development will also help ease the parking squeeze in the town centre, with the IGA voluntarily providing the 39 parking spaces – despite not being required to under existing planning rules.
The development also includes significant earthworks, with excavation up to four metres deep at the rear of the site to reduce the supermarket’s visual impact from the street and create space for mechanical equipment and waste areas below ground.
To minimise noise for neighbours, the proposal includes a 1.8-metre timber paling fence with acoustic wrapping, a sound-insulated roof over the loading dock and a large retaining wall.
Councillor Mervyn Chilcott said the development would be a big boost for the town.
“I think it’s going to be really good for Bridport to become more established as a tourism area, plus serving the locals,” he said.
Construction could begin in as little as three months or up to a year, depending on the outcome of any appeals and the building permit process.
“This development is a real show of confidence for Bridport and where Bridport’s going,” mayor Rhys Beattie said.
