The planning application was submitted on 1 July by MAZE Planning Solutions and is promoted by the landowner, Noel Chadwick Ltd. It will enable comprehensive redevelopment of the site at 51-67 High Street to provide a foodstore designed to meet the need for additional convenience retail space to serve the local population.
The application proposes a building of 2,618 square metres, with a net retail sales area of 1,571 square metres and a café of 100 square metres, served by 150 space car park which will be available free of charge on a short stay basis to enable users to visit other shops, services and schools in the town centre area.
The applicant 's design team engaged in a lengthy period of pre-application consultation with Borough Council officers and latterly the public in February and March this year. This revealed that a significant majority of respondents are supportive of a new foodstore, welcoming the benefits they consider that would bring in terms of shopping choice, competition and quality, much need car parking for the town centre, and local job opportunities.
The foodstore will replace the existing collection of buildings on the site which include an abattoir, restaurant and butcher/delicatessen which are all operated by the applicant. The design process has been particularly rigorous as parts of the site are situated in the Standish Conservation Area dictating the need for great care with design detail and materials proposed for the store.
Further details of the development can be viewed on Wigan Council's website by clicking here and searching for planning application number A/13/78303.