NEW PLANS FOR CO-OP AT FORMER CONS CLUB
THE Co-op has submitted plans for the former Conservative Club on Bargate to turn it into a convenience store creating 15 jobs.
An initial application was turned down by planning chiefs at North East Lincolnshire Council in the summer due to concerns over access for vehicles on busy Bargate.
But the Co-op has adjusted its plans and is seeking again to get approval for the store. Planners had said in rejecting the first application that it would result in “a severe adverse impact on highway safety, road and pedestrian safety, by reason of conflicting traffic movements in an already complex network of junctions and limited road widths.”
The derelict building is boarded up and surrounded by security fencing, leaving many residents wondering if it will ever be developed. The Co-op wants to transform the redundant building, which closed in 2010, and make it into a modern store.
Tesco had planned to open a new branch on the site but scrapped the plans over four years ago when the company had a downturn.
The Co-op announced late last year that it was looking to transform the former Conservative Club and representatives canvassed residents in the area for their views on a new store.
The firm has now resubmitted plans for the project to North East Lincolnshire Council, showing outbuildings would be demolished but the main structure would be retained.
A total of 15 part-time jobs and three full time jobs are planned, with the new branch to open from 6am to 11pm. In a survey carried out by Co-op staff, nearly 80 per cent of residents said they supported the plan or were neutral and nearly 75 per cent of residents surveyed said they would use the new store. Around 20 per cent were against the plans.
Plans show an entrance to the south side of the 346 square-metre site, while customer and delivery vehicles will exit onto Augusta Street from separate points. There are 23 parking spaces planned. Consultants said “the number of trips generated by the proposed development are unlikely to have a significant impact on the surrounding highway network.”
A report submitted to council planners said: “A new vehicular, cycle and pedestrian access has been created, along with a suitable servicing/refuge strategy which minimises potential impacts onto the surrounding residential area.” When the original plans were submitted a year ago one resident said in objection : “Vehicles will be able to turn right from Bargate, as well as left, into the car park. Delivery lorries will probably have to approach from the north owing to their size and turning circle, and will be slower to manoeuvre, resulting in even more congestion and driver frustration which, in turn, may lead to collisions.”
They added: “This proposed entrance would be roughly opposite the Abbey Road junction which would become blocked by vehicles waiting to turn into the car park.” Now the pedestrian routes within the site have been improved, the disabled bays relocated and removal of the steps and ramp into the store has created a larger area for pedestrians around the proposed store’s main entrance.
Having submitted new plans Sam Miller, Managing Director, Langdale Capital, said: “We hope that the additional highways data and analysis put forward with our latest application will result in the Highway Department’s support this time around.
“We are excited to regenerate this site and turn what has become an eyesore, into a high quality convenience store for the local community, which will be let to Co-op Food, creating around 15 jobs for local people.”
The latest application is due to be assessed in the new year.