Ambitions by Wickes DIY to expand its store in Southport have been granted by Sefton Council.
The national retailer can now go ahead and amalgamate two units at Kew Retail Park on Scarisbrick New Road to form a bigger, 48,000 sq ft store.
In a report, Sefton Chief Planning Officer Derek Mckenzie said: “In understanding the operator specific requirements for the operator and the size of unit to be created it is considered that there aren’t any sequentially preferable locations in town, district or local centres within the Southport area.
“Subject to the re-attaching of two conditions attached to the initial permission to this retail park, to limit the type of goods to be sold within the amalgamated unit it is considered that any harm to Southport Town Centre or other sequentially more preferable locations in respect of trade draw or impact would be minimal, if any. The proposal is therefore acceptable in this regard.”
In a planning application submitted to Sefton Council, Mein Partnership Director Chris Gunby said: “The proposed works involve the combination of two existing retail units to form a new, larger retail unit for the sale of DIY products.
“The works include modifications to the external service yard and front pavement and parking areas, the construction of a new entrance porch structure, various changes to the existing elevations for new adjusted windows, adjustments to the clad wall above the new main entrance, re-spraying to the tenant’s brand colour and enlargement of the service access door at the rear of the property.
“The use of the units is established, and the proposed use is the same, changes to parking arrangements are minimal, and modifications to the elevations are also minimal.
“The application is considered non-contentious, and will provide long term benefits to the retail park by accommodating a significant retail brand within the area.”
Car parking spaces would be reduced from 154 to 148.
Opening hours would be: Monday to Friday: 8am-7pm; Saturday: 8am-5pm; Sunday / Bank Holiday: 8am-5pm.
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