More big names set for New Hall Hey
COUNCIL chiefs could be set for a showdown with traders over amended plans to site major chains at New Hall Hey retail park.
Developers have lined up sandwich giant Subway and discount store Home Bargains for the edge-of-town development - but require planning conditions set up to protect town centre traders to be relaxed.
The original plans for three new retail units and a restaurant or refreshment unit on land at Swanney Lodge Road, Rawtenstall, were approved by the council back in August, albeit with strict conditions on the type of stores to be permitted at the site.
Landowner Ropermaker Properties Ltd has now submitted a new application, asking for the council to amend the conditions.
Rawtenstall Chamber of Commerce, which objected to the original application claiming it would harm existing town centre trade, has reiterated its opposition.
Chairman David Gould said: “It’s interesting that this has happened so soon after planning permission was granted. The Chamber of Commerce objected to the original application and our opinion hasn’t changed.”
Hareholme councillor Andy MacNae also stated his concerns.
He said: “The original planning application was done for a reason. We want to see food and hospitality kept in the town centre.”
The applicant was granted permission for the 100-job development, which includes an Aldi, on the condition that other food outlets were restricted to frozen food and retail outlets sold only large items such as cars, TVs and major appliances.
In a letter to the planning department, agent How Planning LLP, said that other than Aldi, the tenant line-up was ‘not known’ when the original plans were submitted. They also say that Subway and Home Bargains have both committed to opening stores at the retail park, if the conditions can be overcome.
Ropermaker Properties is the landowner and applicant and Worthington Properties is the developer.
A Worthington Properties spokesperson said: “With our scheme we are hoping to complement the current retail, leisure and pub offering that is already provided on the New Hall Hey site - one that will create approximately 100 jobs in the short and long-term for Rawtenstall.”
Rossendale council leader Alyson Barnes said the council’s planners would decide on the proposal.
But she added: “I can’t see one Subway shop massively undermining the very big focus on food and hospitality in Phase Two of the Valley Centre site plan.”
Home Bargains declined to comment. Subway was unavailable for comment.