Council to decide on garden centre’s plans
PROPOSED EXPANSION INCLUDES JUNGLE GYM
A GARDEN centre is planning a major expansion which will involve opening a soft play area and jungle gym.
Glebe Garden Centre, in Countesthorpe, has drawn up proposals which would see play facilities built as well as an expanded restaurant and a larger shop.
The centre, owned by the Cherry Lane group, is seeking planning permission for its scheme from Blaby District Council.
The garden centre employs 33 people but has told the council a further 25 jobs could be created if it is given the go-ahead.
Planning agent Mike Downey said: “The extension is necessary to maintain the long-term, year-round viability of the garden centre and stability for its employees through diversifying its appeal as a family destination.”
He said the plans had the backing of the community.
The scheme involves extending the garden centre, in Foston Road, to the north and east on land currently used for storage and polytunnels. The 80 parking spaces would nearly double to 156.
The council’s planning committee will discuss the matter when it meets virtually tomorrow.
Officials have said they are concerned about the overdevelopment of the site but planning officers have recommended the scheme be approved.
Countesthorpe Parish Council backs the idea, which it said was an “exciting project” for the village, but has raised concerns about cars coming in and out given the anticipated increase in visitors.
It wants there to be a coach pickup and drop-off area and for the 30mph speed limit to be extended to cover the stretch outside the centre.
A council planning spokesman said: “The site benefits from an established retail use as a garden centre with an ancillary restaurant.
“The proposed development will predominantly utilise previously developed land within the application site and the proposed extensions are sought to improve the shopping experience for customer and enhance its visual appearance in relation to its surroundings.”