Christchurch supermarket plans get green light (From Bournemouth Echo)

Christchurch supermarket plans get green light

12:00pm Monday 18th February 2013 in News By Katie Clark

Artist’s impression of Quantum’s scheme for Bailey Drive

TWO major supermarket proposals in Christchurch have been given the go-ahead.

Neither the scheme for Bailey Drive, just off Barrack Road in Christchurch, nor the one for Meteor Retail Park in Somerford has been called in by the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government and are both able to now proceed.

The two schemes were approved last year by Christchurch Borough Council while a third proposal for a Morrison’s at Beagle Technology Group was refused.

Quantum’s scheme for Bailey Drive includes a supermarket, affordable housing, a health and fitness facility, children’s play park and open spaces while Meteor owners, Brookhouse proposed a supermarket and two other retail units.

Due to Quantum’s application being with the Department for Communities and Local Government for more than three months, Christchurch MP Chris Chope raised the subject in the House of Commons and was told the Secretary, Mr Pickles, would be issuing a decision in the next two weeks.

Simon Hammond director at Quantum said: “The Secretary of State announced that he will not be calling in the democratic decision made by Christchurch Planning Committee to consent the Bailey Drive mixed use scheme.

“Needless to say we are delighted by his decision and once again we would like to say a huge thank-you to everyone who supported our proposals for this important riverfront site.

“This application was very much designed by the people for the people, so when it comes to us shortly preparing our detailed plans for the site, we look forward to continuing to consult and work with the local community." Tom Whitehead, town planning manager for Brookhouse said: "This is obviously great news and I am pleased that the Secretary of State has stood by the council's decision.

“We are very grateful for all the local support and look forward to regenerating the site and bringing additional shopping choice to the area.”

Morrison’s have appealed the council’s decision to refuse their store in Stony Lane, with a hearing to be held this spring.

Head of planning and health for Christchurch and East Dorset partnership, Steve Duckett said the council would now complete the decision notices for the two successful schemes and send them out as soon as they were able.