Retail unit extension at Unit A1, 1 5 Fairground Way, Northampton

What was proposed

The application sought an extended and subdivided retail unit, removal of the garden centre, and permission to sell food and drink from one new unit.

“Development: Extension of retail unit, external alterations to facilitate subdivision, removal of existing garden centre and the widening of the goods permitted to be sold to include the sale of food and drink from unit A1(B)”

“Permission is sought for the extension of retail unit, external alterations to facilitate subdivision, removal of existing garden centre and the widening of the goods permitted to be sold to include the sale of food and drink from unit A1(B).”

Officer report

The site

The site is an established out-of-centre retail unit in Riverside Retail Park, with extensive parking, a rear service yard and nearby commercial and residential areas.

“The application site comprises an established out-of-centre retail unit situated within Riverside Retail Park a few kilometres east of Northampton town centre. The park occupies a strategic position close to the junction of the A43 and A45 (Nene Valley Way).”

“Riverside Retail Park forms part of the wider Riverside Industrial Estate, which collectively contributes to a significant commercial corridor extending along the A45. This corridor functions as one of Northampton’s major out-of-centre retail and employment areas. Surrounding land uses include Abington Meadows and Abington Park to the southwest, providing links to the wider green infrastructure network, and Billing Aquadrome to the east.”

Officer report

Earlier permissions

Earlier permissions controlled goods sales and allowed previous retail changes, including approved subdivision and alterations for Wickes and another bulky goods operator.

“The 1993 Permission was granted subject to 26 conditions. Condition 11 of the 1993 Permission restricts the sale of goods within the retail units as follows:”

“2024/2097/FULL This is a planning application for External alterations and reconfiguration of Unit A1 to facilitate subdivision, including extensions, and alteration to service yard arrangements and was approved at October’s committee. It was to allow Wickes to occupy the premises and another bulky goods operator.”

Officer report

What officers recommended

Officers recommended approval subject to conditions, concluding that the proposal was acceptable after assessing retail, design, amenity, highways, flood risk and other issues.

“Principle of development and impact on vitality and viability of area • Impact on appearance and character of host building and wider area • Neighbouring amenity • Parking and Highways • Development and Flood Risk • Other issues…”

“The report looks into the key planning issues in detail, and Officers conclude that the proposal is acceptable subject to conditions.”

Officer report

Who spoke

A ward councillor, the applicant’s agent and a representative of Marks and Spencer spoke in support, highlighting public support, technical work, the foodhall and 70 jobs.

The vote

The committee voted eight in favour, none against and no abstentions on a motion to approve the application in line with the officer recommendation.

“It was proposed by Councillor Alexander McMurtry and seconded by Councillor Christine Ware the application 2024/2747/FULL be approved in accordance with the Case Officer’s recommendation. The motion was put to the vote with eight votes cast in favour of the proposal, no votes cast against with no abstentions, therefore the motion was carried, and the application was approved.”

Minutes

The decision

Permission was approved with the conditions in the officer report, with authority delegated to the Assistant Director to grant permission and amend conditions if necessary.

“In reaching its decision, the Committee considered the Case Officer’s report and presentation, the addresses of the public speakers, and the Committee Updates.”

“(1) That authority be delegated to the Assistant Director – Planning and Development to grant permission to application 2024/2747/FULL subject to the conditions set out in the Case Officer’s report (and any amendments to those conditions as deemed necessary).”

Minutes