The planning application (SDNP/20/03485/CND) asks for permission to alter the store’s opening hours to 7am to 10pm from Monday through to Saturday to allow for ‘client flexibility’. News that the national supermarket would be coming to the town was hailed as ‘fantastic’. A Sainsbury’s spokesperson said: “We’ve been delighted by the overwhelmingly positive response from local people since we announced our new store for Midhurst and are looking at ways to provide the best possible service for local people. "We’re conscious that shopping habits have changed over recent years and, in our experience, people like to enjoy flexibility in the times at which they can visit our stores. “We have therefore applied for opening hours of 7am to 10pm from Monday to Saturday, which will bring the new store into line with other Sainsbury’s stores and provide convenience for local people. Sunday opening hours will remain 10am to 4pm. “As part of our commitment to provide the best possible service to Midhurst, we’ve made sure that local people can continue to collect their shopping locally whilst the store building is being refurbished, and before our new store opens, by providing a daily click-and -collect service in the store car park.” A determination deadline for the plans has been set for October 14.