Retail unit subdivision at Former Homebase Redlands, Poole

What was proposed

The proposal would subdivide a vacant retail unit, create a food store and retain bulky-goods retail, with external, parking and access works.

“External alterations associated with the internal subdivision of the unit to create two units, the widening of goods to allow sale of food and drink to Unit 1, provision of new service bay to the west, car park reconfiguration to include an extension to car park to include sections to the south and into the western sections of the site.”

“The sub-divided units would provide two stores; Unit 1: 2,879sq m gross all ground floor with no mezzanine floor. Unit 2: 1,804sq m gross with 902sq m to the ground floor and the same above within the mezzanine floor. The removal of the mezzanine to Unit 1 (291sq m) and the demolition of the garden centre areas previously approved under (Ref: P/25/04798/FUL) has resulted in the loss of 785 sqm of retail floorspace on the site.”

Officer report

The site and surroundings

The site is a vacant bulky-goods unit in a retail park beside residential roads, with parking, trees and boundary landscaping.

“The site is a large vacant 'bulky goods' retail unit previously occupied by Homebase. The site is within the Poole Retail Park, Branksome (also known as Redlands). Units within the park are predominantly restricted to bulky goods and DIY, however other retail and leisure uses have been permitted; to include some furnishing stores, a pet store, indoor football complex, Hobbycraft, Decathlon, a John Lewis 'Home' store and a gym. 4.”

“The car parking areas are to the east of the building and this has an open character to the retail park with large expanses of hedging and trees to the boundary contributing to the visual amenity of the site. 5. The character of the area is mixed with the retail, commercial and leisure uses within the retail park and the Branksome East local centre to the southeast of the site.”

Officer report

Consultation responses

Most consultees raised no objection subject to conditions, while highways required crossing, bus shelter and access measures.

“03/12/2025 – No objection subject to conditions and S106 Agreement to secure bus shelter replacement works (Revised plans received and a Transport Response Note) 29/09/2025 – Objection, request amendments to cycle parking provision, relocation of pedestrian crossings within the site and a pedestrian crossing facility on Alder Road. S106 required to secure S278 Agreement and replacement of Alder Road bus shelter.”

“12/02/2026 – No objection, subject to conditions (The submitted information is not sufficient to meet the requirements of the proposed conditions) 03/09/2025 – No objection, subject to conditions BCP Environmental Health Officer (Noise) 26/01/2026 – No objection subject to amended conditions following comments from the applicant 27/11/2025 – No objection subject to conditions 13/10/2025 – Objection, further information required…”

Officer report

What people said

Written representations included 31 supporting comments, 7 objections and concerns about traffic, noise, crossings, cycling and retail impacts.

“As at 28/04/26 - Site notices were posted outside the site on 16/09/2025 with an expiry date of 10/10/2025. 57 letters of representation have been received. 22 comments, 31 in support and 7 objections.”

“Objections have been received on the following grounds; • Impact on Highway Safety, existing congestion on Branksome Roundabout • Difficulty for traffic leaving the Redlands site • Improvements to Morebus service required • Future impact of Westbourne store • Additional noise concerns from solid fencing proposed • No safe cycle path options are available to access the site…”

Officer report

Who spoke

Two applicant supporters and one ward councillor were listed for the committee item, with no registered objectors.

What was decided

Permission was granted in accordance with the officer recommendation and the addendum sheet.

“RESOLVED to GRANT permission in accordance with the recommendation set out in the officer’s report and the addendum sheet.”

Minutes