PLANS for a new Home Bargains branch in Dorset which would create 60 jobs have taken a step forward after a town council recommended its approval.
As previously reported, Hopkins Estates LTD submitted plans to build a two-storey retail unit, car park and surrounding landscaping at Kingsmead Business Park in Gillingham.
The proposed Home Bargains will have a gross internal area of 1,627sqm and a net retail sales area of 1,429sqm. Plans state the store would sell a mixture of food and drink, homeware, cleaning supplies and toiletries.
Developers aim to build 100 new car parking spaces as well as six bicycle parking spaces. The proposed store would be accessed by a newly constructed road which will also provide access to a soon-to-be opened petrol station.
The application states Home Bargains would create 60 jobs as well as provide a boost and ‘significant investment’ to Gillingham’s economy.
Gillingham Town Council’s planning committee virtually met to discuss the plans, in which they discussed the store’s economical benefits for the town.
Councillors agreed a new Home Bargains would ‘support the economic development of the town and will provide job opportunities’ and is in line with the North Dorset Local Plan.
Its meeting minutes state: “The proposed new access leading from the spur off the business park spine road provides good vehicular access, however, improved access arrangements for pedestrians and cycle users would be beneficial.
“The proposed car parking arrangements are adequate; however, the applicants could consider the installation of electric vehicle charging points.”
The planning application will be later be discussed and voted upon at a later date by Dorset Council.
If approved, it will be the fourth Home Bargains branch to open in Dorset, with other stores based in Bournemouth, Poole and Weymouth.
Developers also stated they had assessed other locations in Gillingham, but found the Kingsmead Business Park site to be an adequate site for a new Home Bargains store.
Kingsmead Business Park is already home to a number of business units, including Screwfix, Guild of Fine Food and City Plumbing Supplies, with a new petrol station currently being constructed.
The planning application can be viewed on Dorset Council’s website under its planning section with the reference P/FUL/2021/00176
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