Plans for retail park supermarket approved

Plans to knock down a number of units at a Newcastle retail park to make way for a new discount food store have been given the green light by the city council.Aegon Asset Management UK has earmarked land at Kingston Court Retail Park for the project.The development site comprises Poundstretcher and a vacant former Peacocks, Springs Health Club, Luciano’s restaurant and rooftop bar. Under the plans, the new structure would be occupied by Aldi.It would have a total sales area of more than 14,150 sq ft, as well as a warehouse area spanning 4,144 sq ft. The proposal also increases the number of parking bays from 318 to 375.Newcastle City Council planners said the project is a “sustainable form of development” and is “fully inclusive; well- connected and accessible by sustainable modes of transport; being well designed to promote community cohesion, wellbeing and to reflect and enhance the area’s character”.Kingston Court Retail Park also includes an M&S, Next, Boots and smaller units, including Greggs, Ladbrokes, Peter Tyson Audio-Visual and Michael Offord Opticians. The retail scheme was constructed in 1975 and was revamped on 2011.