The proposed expansion of a new retail park will not impact Bishop Auckland town centre, a developer has insisted, writes Local Democracy Reporter, Bill Edgar.
Fieldon Bridge Developments has submitted plans for phase two of the Bishop Auckland Retail Park.
The proposal includes four new retail units and car parking spaces, located to the west of the current site.
Retailers such as The Range, Home Bargains, PureGym, Greggs, TUI, Superbowl UK, and Popeyes are already open on the site, with a new cinema due to open next year. Several restaurants are also open.
The applicant said the empty units in the town centre are unsuitable for national retailers due to building size requirements, but the identity of the proposed new retailers has not been revealed.
Fieldon Bridge Developments said: “The proposals will not unacceptably impact [the] regeneration objectives of bringing vacant property within the town centre back into active re-use, as the identified retailer requirements simply cannot be met by the existing town centre property stock.
“The proposals will secure representation in the town from national retailers who do not currently have outlets within Bishop Auckland, meaning residents of the town and the surrounding area will no longer need to travel to other locations to visit such retail outlets, thereby contributing to more sustainable shopping patterns.
“The proposed development will not unacceptably impact the vitality of the town centre.”
West Auckland Parish Council said it supports the application and welcomes the job opportunities and access to local social, leisure and retail venues for residents.
A further 300 jobs are expected to be created through phase two of the retail park scheme.
Access to the development site would be provided from the existing roundabout built as part of the initial development, which leads to the main access road.
Durham County Council’s planning committee is due to approve the latest expansion at a meeting next Wednesday (November 5).
Bill Edgar
Reporter for the Local Democracy Reporter Service.
Bishop Auckland's local community newspaper.
