Store bids to expand as home deliveries rise due to pandemic
Supermarket lodges plans to create more space
Supermarket giant Asda could revamp its Linwood store if plans lodged with Renfrewshire Council are given the nod.
The retailer hopes to create more space for home delivery vans to help meet an increase in online shopping as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic.
In proposals drawn up by 01 Architects, the company also hopes to build four ‘pods’ in the car park area and move the location of the petrol station to create a new roundabout.
A new path would also be created on the grounds connecting the car park to Saturn Avenue.
While inside, there could be a changes to the shop layout and new signage, including “a minor extension to accommodate customer toilets, with changes arising from internal re configuration of the kiosk, café, opticians and pharmacy,” according to plans.
A statement provided to planners claims an increase in space to house home delivery vans could result in new jobs.
It states: “The current home shopping department at Linwood operates from the main service yard to the rear of the store and is limited to two vans due to space constraints.
“The increased customer r e q u i rement for home shopping cannot therefore be accommodated within the service yard, hence the requirement for a new hub adjoining the service yard to the south.
“Expansion of the service as proposed would not conflict with any planning policies and will result in the creation of a number of new job opportunities.”
Plans for pods in the car park are also in the works, with architects outlining how they would work to local authority planners.
The design statement adds: “The introduction of external retail pods at superstores is now commonplace. This allows the introduction of ancillary retail, food and drink and service outlets that might otherwise have been located within the store itself. Such facilities are complementary to the primary store functions.
“They are not trip generating in their own right but serve to widen the range of options for existing store shoppers.”
The number of parking spaces would be reduced if the plans are given the green light.
Two similar applications for work at the Asda store have been approved by Renfrewshire Council previously.
A decision on the latest proposals is expected in September.
The increased customer requirement for home shopping cannot be accommodated in the service yard