Defeat looks in store for Blaydon shop plan
PLANNERS COULD REJECT DEVELOPMENT PLANS
PLANS to open a host of new shops and restaurants – including a Starbucks and a TJ Hughes – on Tyneside could be rejected by council bosses this week.
A developer wants to build a major new retail complex but opponents say it will “irreversibly undermine” Bllaydon’s existing shopping centre.
The proposals would see Aldi and TJ Hughes, as well as drive-through Starbucks and Burger King chains, open at an industrial estate in Chainbridge Road, Gateshead, while B&M would also relocate from its existing town centre site.
However, Gateshead Council’s planning committee is being urged to refuse the plans at a meeting tomorrow evening.
An objection on behalf of Blaydon shopping centre owners Ellandi LLP said: “Ellandi is strongly opposed to the proposed development as it has the potential to significantly and irreversibly undermine the vitality and viability of Blaydon District Centre.
“This includes the relocation of B&M which acts as a major anchor to Blaydon District Centre.
“It notes the occupation of the proposed retail park by B&M would result in a clear and demonstrable ‘like for like’ significant adverse impact on Blaydon District Centre (including a significant void in the District Centre which will be extremely difficult to re-let in the current retail climate).
“It also states the proposed retail park will also compete on a like-for-like basis with existing operators including Boyes,
Morrisons, Boots, Poundworld, Home Bargains, Superdrug, Iceland, Shoe Zone, Cooplands, Subway, Greggs and Costa Coffee – retailers / occupiers who are critical to attracting the footfall required to support local independent retailers such as Blaydon Carpets, News 4U, Studio Sun Solarium, Kentoci Caf and the Glasses Factory.”
Costa Coffee and Home Bargains have also lodged objections.
According to developer UK Land Investments Ltd, the new development would create 170 full or part-time jobs once operational and an estimated 95 during construction.
There are several industrial buildings on the site which would be demolished to accommodate the new retail units, which would be served by 358 parking spaces.
The applicant previously obtained permission to develop the land for a discount foodstore, DIY and bulky goods floorspace in December 2016.
“It is now seeking amendments to those plans due to “considerable difficulty” in letting out some of the retail units.
In a statement sent to Gateshead Council, it said the new designs would complement IMAGE: FAULKNERBROWNS ARCHITECTS Blaydon’s existing shopping area.
It said: “Those attracted to the application proposal are also likely to shop in Blaydon shopping centre and similarly those visiting Blaydon centre are also likely to use the proposed development.
“The development scheme introduces a discount food store to enhance the diversity of the shopping centre’s current food offer.
“Importantly, the proposed occupancy changes would ensure B&M remains in Blaydon by providing a unit of a size that allows the company to trade from its popular Home Store format.
“Coupled with the introduction of TJ Hughes, the extended comparison goods offer of the district centre will see new shoppers visiting Blaydon, and existing shoppers using the centre more frequently.”
Planning officers have recommended the plans are refused.
They claim they will “result in the relocation of a major anchor store and would compete on a like-for-like basis with existing operators.”
They have also told councillors the plans will “create access to an unhealthy eating outlet in a location where children and young people congregate and, in a location where there is a high level of obesity and is therefore considered to be unacceptable”.