Retail park plans recommended for approval

The proposed development of a new retail park comprising up to 75,000 sq ft on a site north of Swindon is recommended for approval when it goes before councillors at a meeting next week (11 July 2017).Planning consultancy Turley, on behalf of Icon Two Ltd, has lodged plans for development on a site known as Swindon Gateway North.The applicant is proposing to construct 75,000 sq ft of new space, made up of five retail units.The development would comprise a main 30,000 sq ft unit, two 15,000 sq ft buildings, a 10,000 sq ft unit and a smaller 5,000 sq ft property. Parking for 317 vehicles will also be provided.The applicant has said the new retail units will have a “positive impact on the local economy” by supporting the creation of new jobs.Plans for the developent will be considered by Swindon Borough Council at a meeting on 11 July and are recommended for approval by the planning officer.This is subject to the signing of a legal agreement that would restrict the sale of goods at the site to bulky items only, with some additional ancillary sales, and secure a travel plan.It added that a “robust and unambiguous” legal agreement was required to protect Swindon town centre, while also securing development at Gateway North.An application was originally submitted in 2016 and planning officers were originally minded to refuse consent due to concerns highways issues and the potential harm to town centre regeneration.However, they are now in a “position to recommend approval” after a revised scheme was lodged in April 2017.Adjacent occupiers Aldi and David Lloyd leisure have written in support of the proposal, saying it will increase footfall and complement the existing offering in the area.