Dobbies development lined up for approval

Garden centre group Dobbies’ plans to bring forward a job-creating development in Wokingham look set to advance next week.The scheme is lined up for a site on Hyde End Road, which currently comprises several garden centre buildings.The original property was used for a farm shop with garages. It was developed into a garden centre in the 1980s and was upgraded in the 90s and 00s, the latter following Dobbies’ acquisition.In recent years, the local surrounding context has “changed significantly” with several new housing developments within Spencers Wood and nearby Shinfield coming forward.Proposed is demolishing the buildings on-site and building a new purpose-built venue, which would consolidate the wider operation into a single scheme.This would also comprise a restaurant and cafe, a food hall and a veterinary practice.A planning statement submitted last year noted that the redevelopment would generate new and part-time employment opportunities across a range of skills, with the aim being to fill these positions through the local workforce.The proposals have been designed to increase full-time staff from 12 to 22 employees, and increase part-time positions from 16 to 31.Dobbies would also look to explore opportunities to establish links with local colleges to generate part-time employment, work experience or training opportunities.Approval has been recommended.