Agenda item

To consider planning application 22/0195 for the erection of 2 storey side extension and alterations to front elevation of existing building at Unit 1 Clifton Retail Park, Clifton Road.

The Planning Committee considered planning application 22/0195 for the erection of a two storey side extension and alterations to front elevation of existing building at Unit 1 Clifton Retail Park, Clifton Road.

Ms Susan Parker, Head of Development Manager, presented the report to the Planning Committee. Ms Parker highlighted that a sequential assessment had been undertaken with no sequentially preferable sites on which the development could be located. It was not considered that the development would have any material impact on any existing development particularly on the sustainability of the town centre. The extension had been proposed for the sale of bulky goods and this would not detract from the viability and vitality of the town centre and therefore be in accordance with National Planning Framework, Policies CS1 and CS4 of the Blackpool Local Plan Part 1: Core Strategy 2012-2027 and Policy DM15 of the emerging Blackpool Local Plan Part 2: Site Allocations and Development Management Policies.

Ms Parker highlighted the amendments to the proposed conditions outlined in the Update Note circulated to members on the 25 July 2022. Ms Parker explained that the initial proposal had been to restrict the sale of bulky goods to the new extension but following discussions with the applicant it had become clear that this would unnecessarily restrict the potential operation of the unit in a way that would be unworkable. It had therefore be agreed that the sale of bulky goods would be restricted to an area equivalent to the floorspace of the extension, a total of 895 square metres. Further amended conditions had also been included in the Update Note regarding the sale of kitchens and kitchen furniture which had been omitted from the original application but were considered a reasonable addition as they fell under the bulky good criteria. There were also some minor amendments to conditions on the use of the development and on the sale of food and drink so that the use of premises by a franchisee or a small ancillary café would not breach the planning permission. Ms Parker explained that these amended conditions were considered reasonable amendments to reflect the actual operation of the development.

Mr Kevin Keigher from the Applicant Next and Mr Roddy MacLeod, Applicant’s Agent both spoke in support of the application. They highlighted their view that the application would not undermine the viability of the town centre and that it represented a complimentary offer under the same branding but specialising in bulky goods to the store in the town centre. Mr Keigher emphasised the economic benefits of the scheme to the town and highlighted that such a development would retain spending within the Blackpool area with shoppers typically choosing to travel further to purchase such goods.

The Committee considered the application it noted the sequential assessment had been submitted and that it had been clearly evidenced that no sequentially preferable sites could be identified. The application was considered acceptable with conditions as outlined in the report and as amended in the Update Note. The Committee concluded that it would provide new economic development without detriment to the existing hierarchy of retail centres.

Resolved:

That the application be approved subject to the conditions 1,2,3,5,6,9 and 10 outlined in the report and amended conditions 4, 7, 8 and 11 in the update note.