Relocation to edge of town for high street store? (From Free Press Series)

Relocation to edge of town for high street store?

CURRYS are interested in relocating from their High Street store to a larger unit on the edge of Abergavenny, it has been disclosed.

They are one of three companies showing an interest in the redevelopment scheme for the former council depot off Brecon Road, for which Monmouthshire county planning committee last week refused to give planning permission.

Merrill Lynch Investment submitted the detailed plans for the land, most of which is owned by the county council, and is in the process of being sold.

Their plans include three retail units of 12,000, 6,000 and 4,500 square feet and consultants working for the council and the applicants have been liaising on the retail issue.

They agreed there is a need for more floor space in Abergavenny and say potential tenants of these units are Currys, who have a store in High Street, Carpetright and a furniture and motor accessories business.

The council's consultants Drivas Jonas say benefits would arise for Abergavenny residents from having a larger Curry's store and a new Carpetright.

Head of planning George Ashworth said officers had recommended refusal of the scheme because the land was designated for employment use, so it would be against their own Local Plan policies.

He said: "We are not satisfied the site has been genuinely marketed for employment purposes and our economic development colleagues think they can get employment there.

"We also think it is increasingly probable that the retail need for these units can be met in the town centre.

"The cattle market site is for retail development and the planning permission for developing it is not written in stone."

He said there have been objections from the Chamber of Trade and Commerce who say it will have a negative impact on town centre footfall, from the Civic Society and Development Forum and from the neighbouring Rockfield DIY store and JMJ Laboratories.

There have also been objections from a large number of local residents and the Esso garage and Riverside Veterinary Centre whose access road will be shared by the development.