One convenience store too many is ruling by planners
PLANS for a new convenience store in St Martin’s have been rejected by planners on the grounds that there are too many similar shops already in the parish.
L. M. Holdings Ltd had applied to build a single storey, 300sq. m. shop on the eastern corner of the car park by Marks & Spencer in Les Merriennes. This could be split into six retail units, with 24 car parking spaces.
While it was not stated who the future tenants of the site could be, the applicant had said they expected it to be for convenience retail use.
The land was formerly used by a hire car company.
The company had said the new development would enhance the vitality of the local centre.
But the planners disagreed.
In the refusal notice, planning director Jim Rowles said while the site is in a local centre, the planners had to take into account the businesses already on offer in the area, to ensure companies remained sustainable.
Full story in today's Guernsey Press
