Plans for new B&M shop and garden centre at Cortonwood approved

The former New Look and Outlet stores will be merged into one store, to create a “a spacious and attractive shopping environment” of around 2,074 sqm.

The proposed garden centre will be secured by a 4.8m high fence, and would “not be developed as a stand-alone facility”.

The report states that the new B&M would be “unlikely” to have any material impact “upon the vitality and viability of existing centres”.

Documents state that the new store will “not result in any significant adverse impacts upon the highway network”.

“The proposed development will enable the re-occupation of two retail units, bringing the application site back into active use.

“The new B&M store would also enhance existing consumer choice for residents living within the catchment area of Cortonwood Shopping Park, reducing the need for them to travel to similar facilities elsewhere,” a planning report adds.