Cllr Nigel Young says: “We will be looking at this application in the context of our ambitions to strengthen Dunstable’s retail offer by attracting established retail brands and providing Central Bedfordshire Council is responding to a planning application from Pradera, owners of the White Lion retail park in Dunstable, which outlines plans for refurbishing the site and subdividing some of the units to allow new retailers, including M&S Simply Food and Next, to move in. The planning application will divide up Unit 1 on the retail park to provide three new units with a mezzanine floorspace, one of which has been earmarked for Next. If the plans are approved M&S Simply Food will move into a refurbished Unit 5. Commenting on the planning application, Executive Member for Regeneration at Central Bedfordshire Council, Cllr Nigel Young says: “We will be looking at this application in the context of our ambitions to strengthen Dunstable’s retail offer by attracting established retail brands and providing opportunities for existing retailers who want to expand and grow. We are keen to work with retailers and developers to realise the council’s ambitions to make Dunstable a great place for shopping, leisure and culture so that we bring in visitors, money and jobs.” Jason Longhurst, Director of Business and Regeneration says: “As a planning authority we’re responding to changes in the retail sector and a change in the requirements of national retailers, many of whom are seeking bespoke units with a good amount of floorspace, often on two levels. In terms of town centre planning we are looking at blending provision on our traditional high streets with retail parks on the outskirts of towns. Both can work well together as long as there are good transport links to connect both. “Ultimately we need to take a rational approach and work with developers to create an environment where retailers and shoppers want to be, while making sure that developments complement and enhance the area.” The application CB/14/04371/FULL can be viewed on the Central Bedfordshire Council planning portal. The consultation period for this application runs up until 8 December.
Posted on: Mon, 24 Nov 2014 06:16:45 +0000
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