Got a DIY project looming? You could soon be spoilt for choice
HOUSEHOLD NAMES BID TO SHARE FORMER COUNTRYWIDE STORE
PLANS have been submitted to divide a building once occupied by a country supplies store into two units - paving the way for a pair of household-name brands to come to Ashbourne.
Unit B, Waterside Park was formerly home to Countrywide, which closed down several years ago, and it has since stood empty.
But now commercial property agents Salloway have struck a deal with DIY giants Screwfix and Toolstation which would each move into separate halves of the building, should planning consent be granted to divide it up and change its use.
Currently the building has permission to be used as a shop, but only to sell certain goods. The planning application will seek to extend its use to cover storage and distribution and commercial use.
The application also asks for permission for external alterations to the building, which adjoins Unit A on the northeastern side. Unit A will remain in use as a bus garage facility.
In a design and access statement submitted as part of the application, agents Planning Design has explained what the building’s owner needs to do to accommodate the two retail stores.
The statement says: “This application proposes a change of use and subdivision of the former Countrywide store to two units for flexible Class B8 (Storage and distribution) or Class E use (commercial) with associated minor external alterations and signage at Waterside Retail Park, Ashbourne.
“It is considered that the proposal does not conflict with the aim of maintaining the vitality and viability of
Ashbourne Town Centre given the changes to the retail landscape in the past 10 years, meaning town centres and retail parks must contain a greater mix of uses in order to maintain vitaility and attractiveness. “This is reflected in the broad mix of uses which already exists at Waterside Retail Park.”
Part of the Kingfisher Group, Screwfix
has more than 1,200 stores in Europe, Russia and Turkey and the firm specialises in trade-counter supplies of building, plumbing and DIY products, but it welcomes members of the public too.
Toolstation, which has more than 500 branches across the UK, is another trade-counter specialist, which offers tools accessories and building supplies, again with public access.
The plans to convert Unit B were validated by Derbyshire Dales District Council earlier this month and will be determined in the coming weeks.
It is considered that the proposal does not conflict with the aim of maintaining the vitality and viability of the town centre.