Redevelopment of Quayside site now in deputies’ hands

Now the plans need to get past politicians at an opening planning meeting next week.

Planners have been studying the plans for the Vale site for eight months and yesterday confirmed they were recommending the project be granted permission, with conditions.

‘The scheme would bring a vacant site back into use contributing to the vitality and viability of the main centre,’ they wrote in the planning report.

‘Customers of these proposed stores may be prompted to visit other shops and facilities at the main retail area of the Bridge, on their way to and from the Quayside site. The redevelopment of the site as a whole would provide an improved retail experience.’

It is proposed 2,166sq. m of retail be created on the site of the former Quayside homeware shop, which closed in 2015.

The planners agreed with the applicant, TJ Morris Ltd, the parent company of UK discount retailer Home Bargains, that redeveloping the site would bring investment to the area.

‘Although not necessarily maximising the potential of the site, the proposals could be adapted later following the introduction of a local planning brief, such as changes to vehicular access arrangements in connection with possible proposals for pedestrianisation of this part of North Quay,’ the planners stated.

‘Furthermore, the grant of permission for this retail development would not preclude applications for further development and redevelopment in the future.’

The new plans are much smaller than the former Quayside, which offered 3,902sq. m of retail, as well as industrial and distribution areas.

But the planners said such a site, given its position and 70 parking spaces, would be a ‘destination store’, rather than rely on passing trade.

Although the site falls within the Bridge Conservation Area, planning officers felt the design would not harm the character and appearance of the area.

Customer vehicles would access the site via North Quay and exit via the new access on Longree, while commercial vehicles will use Longree. Planners said while there would be more vehicles in the area, it would not have an unacceptable impact on highway safety or capacity.

There were two letters of objection, raising concerns about the development would not make best use of the space and would lead to the loss of on-street parking.

Planners have also recommended permission be granted to convert two properties on the site so that Durlston House would have two flats, while Quayside House and an outbuilding would have four flats.

The original application stated that the project would require a 12-month £10m. redevelopment, while the business would eventually provide up to 100 jobs.

• The open planning meeting will see a presentation to the Development & Planning Authority Committee, starting at 9.30am on Tuesday at the Saumarez Room at Beau Sejour. The public can watch, but only those who have made previous representations can speak. The politicians will then vote on whether to approve the plans.