The Wareham Planning Board and Zoning Board of Appeals will hold a public hearing regarding the proposed West Wareham Walmart on Tuesday, January 4 at 7 p.m. in the Town Hall lower level cafeteria.

The boards will discuss the store's application for a site plan review and special permit.

Walmart's plan to build a new 152,124-square-foot facility at the corner of Tobey Road and Cranberry Highway has raised many concerns, from environmental impact to traffic issues, among residents.

The site is adjacent to Strow's Folly Brook, a habitat for endangered Eastern Box turtles. It is also not far from John W. Decas Elementary School, which has prompted concerns about the safety of children who would be walking through the area of increased traffic.

Walmart would be among several stores that have migrated from East to West Wareham in recent years. Staples, T.J. Maxx, and Payless Shoe Source have all moved to Wareham Crossing from East Wareham.

Walmart representatives said in August that the store is moving so that it can offer a full line of groceries. Although the retailer owns its East Wareham location, the move, rather than an expansion, is necessary because a restriction on the property prevents the store from selling fresh meat, fish, and produce, and from operating as a bakery, deli, or supermarket.

The West Wareham store would be about 30,000 square feet larger than the East Wareham location.