Plans for a new store at Blackpool Retail Park have been approved by planners. The scheme involves the construction of a new unit on land previously utilised as part of a garden centre by a former Homebase store, located just off Squires Gate Lane.
While the potential tenant remains undisclosed, it is expected to be an operator selling bulky goods, food and drinks from the 929 square metre space. Since Homebase vacated several years ago, the units have been occupied by Currys electrical store and Bensons for Beds, neither of which use the outdoor area.
Despite concerns raised by the council highways officer about increased traffic potentially generated in that part of the retail park, planners approved the application using their delegated powers. A consultation document acknowledges that while "the traffic generation of this proposal is not large in the context of the whole site", there are worries that the access "between Halfords and Morrisons has very limited capacity at peak times."
The officer warns that "This will lead to the access to the east of the retail park being increasingly well used".
This entrance already serves an Aldi store on the retail park, which also houses Pets At Home, Hobbycraft, and TKMaxx. Planners also evaluated the impact of the development on existing retailers, including those in the town centre and other shopping areas, concluding that the scheme would be sustainable, reports .
The decision notice reads: "Economically, the proposal would generate some local employment opportunities during the construction and operational phases, presenting some economic benefits, without having significant adverse impact on existing centres or undermine the council's strategies and proposals for regenerating its centres."
In recent developments, Blackpool Retail Park welcomed JD Sports and Hobbycraft last year, adding to its roster of outlets which includes Currys, Bensons for Beds, Pets at Home, Dunelm, Poundland, TK Maxx, Food Warehouse, Halfords, Costa, and Aldi.
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