SUPERMARKET giant Sainsbury's has confirmed it has abandoned plans to build a new store behind St Martin's Walk in central Dorking.
On Friday afternoon, a company spokesman said that despite lengthy discussions with local authorities, agreement on the development had not been reached.
He said: "Mole Valley District Council and Sainsbury's have been in discussion for some time trying to evolve a viable supermarket scheme on the site to the rear of St Martin's Walk identified by the recently adopted Area Action Plan.
"The council and Sainsbury's have been in discussion with the other landowners, Surrey County Council and Mole Valley Housing Association, and have regretfully concluded that, despite the best efforts of all concerned, a viable scheme cannot
be delivered on the proposed site.
"We are deeply disappointed at this outcome but want to reassure our customers that we will continue to give them the best possible service from our existing High Street store whilst we look for wider solutions to bring a new Sainsbury's store to Dorking."
Had it gone ahead, the contentious 3,250 sq m store would have resulted in the demolition of flats in Church Gardens and the Malthouse youth centre.
For more on this story, see next Thursday's Dorking and Leatherhead Advertiser.
