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 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 next Wednesday (September 4).

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 22:00 or sooner. We are also very concerned as to how this will be done, on such a busy frontage."

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.

One person wrote specifically on the loss of the site as a pub. "If we look at the recent reopening of The Hero also on Shirland Road, it's overflowing with customers on many days and evenings, this is strong evidence that pubs can be a local success."

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.

"The addition of a branded supermarket will enhance the visual appearance of the area, design and layout which is very much needed as this part of Shirland Road looks very run down and neglected and is not in keeping with the high standard of Maida Vale," they wrote. "This is needed as there isn't another supermarket of this type in the local area. The closest being Harrow Road which is not easily accessible for residents."

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.