Retail centre plan takes step forward
SHOPS AND NURSERY COULD BE BUILT TO SERVE COMMUNITY
THE ongoing transformation of the old Gedling pit site now has planning permission for new shops and a ‘balancing lagoon’ after the latest proposals for the site were passed this week.
Plans were approved for more development to serve the vast Chase Farm housing estate, off Arnold Lane, with full planning permission granted for the lagoon.
Outline planning permission was given for a local centre, expected to include shops and a nursery.
This means that part of the project can be built “in principal” but more detailed proposals must be submitted in the future.
Though the types of shops that could potentially open are unclear, a planning statement read: “The units have been situated to create an open space with views towards the lagoon.
“With regards to access to the commercial area, this has been located at north-west of the site.
“The parking spaces have been arranged to maximise space, keeping in mind safety and security.”
Company director Colin Booth, 40, who has lived at Chase Farm for more than two years, suggested a convenience store would be of benefit and that a pub would be a decent addition.
“A pub would be nice, I can’t think of many other shops - but something that can sell a bit of everything.”
With a lot of children living at the site, he explained “there’s no playground for them to play”.
On the subject of further development, he said: “It’s all gone very quiet with Covid at the minute.
“All the development seems to be on building the second phase of properties.”
A spokeswoman Homes said: “Keepmoat Homes are building a new community at Chase Farm and have already seen 250 families move into the development during the first phase.
“We are delighted that, during their planning committee, Gedling Borough Council supported our plans for the new commercial centre which was granted outline permission this week.
“The outline permission provides the opportunity to introduce a range of retail outlets which will serve the residents living on Chase Farm, as well as the wider community, with the new shops easily accessible from the new Gedling Access Road which is due to open later this year.
“Providing the new local centre for residents has always been key to our aim of building a sustainable community at Chase Farm.
“Having a range of services within easy walking distance, including the shops and the new primary school, will also help to promote walking and cycling rather than relying on the car.
“The proposals are only at outline but we believe that the local centre will prove attractive to a range of retail operators and we will be keen to start marketing the units once works for the next phase of 500 new homes starts at Chase Farm.”