Plans have been refused for a new Premier branch on the Isle of Wight – because it would divert retail activity away from the town centre.
Car sales and motorbike repairs will still take place at the Sixers-owned Carisbrooke Garage, from one half of the building, but it was hoped a new convenience shop could open in the other part.
IWC: Other sites better suited
The Isle of Wight council rejected proposals earlier last week from Mr Vinojan, of Ultra Stores Premier, to use an ‘underutilised’ part of the garage on Carisbrooke Road, Newport.
Officers from the planning department felt there were other sites, in the centre of or near to town, that would be better suited.
It had been hoped the shop would be open from 7am to 11pm every day.
Plans to serve a large housing estate
In planning documents submitted to the council, agent Norman White said a Premier on that site would serve a large housing estate and passing trade due to its location, as well as off-street parking.
The plans were first put forward last June but withdrawn after concerns were raised by the council’s planning department.
Plans re-submitted
They were re-submitted after a meeting with officials to see what could be rectified, but the plans have since been turned down.
Officers refused the proposals as they considered it had not been adequately demonstrated other alternative premises were not suitable for the proposed use, either within the town centre or on the outskirts.
Vacant shops in town
In the decision notice, officers said,
“There are no exceptional circumstances which would justify allowing this specific use in the chosen location.
“Whilst an out-of-town site may be cheaper to rent, have lower rates, and be more accessible by car, these are not good reasons to divert retail activity away from a town centre where there are vacant shop units, to a less sustainable location.”
Officers also said the proposed area is already served by two convenience shops within 700m of the site, so there is no ‘deficiency’ to justify the branch.
This article is from the BBC’s LDRS (Local Democracy Reporter Service) scheme, which News OnTheWight is taking part in. Some alterations and additions may have been made by OnTheWight. Ed
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