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Search the Public Notice PortalA new M&S superstore has been approved to open at a retail park in Christchurch.
M&S has been given planning permission for a superstore at Unit 1B at Christchurch Retail Park in Bailey Drive, a site currently occupied by The Range.
The unit will be converted into a modern M&S Foodhall, providing more space for a wider choice of fresh food, groceries and household goods.
A new trolley bay will also be added to the retail park car park under the approved scheme.
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Christchurch Retail Park is already home to Lidl, Halfords, Home Bargains, Pets at Home and Costa Coffee.
Planning documents show that the existing M&S food store in Christchurch town centre is closing, although it is no known when the closure will be.
The application drew 151 letters of support, alongside seven objections and two general comments.
Councillors heard the scheme had been called before the committee by the head of planning “due to potential economic impacts”.
Philip Marsten, town planning manager for M&S, said: “We currently have a small foodhall on the high-street but it no longer meets our requirements.
“This application gives the opportunity to retain M&S in Christchurch for the long term.
“The new store will safeguard the current jobs and create 35 new roles. M&S work with local suppliers in Poole, Blandford Forum and farms in Dorset. Every shopping trip at this store will sustain jobs well beyond this site.”
During the committee debate, Councillor Felicity Rice said: “This seems like an out of town development as the plans to get there in any other way than by car is poor. The sales from the current store are good so I can’t support this.”
Councillor Marion Le Poidevin said: “It would be good if they could open in the town centre but we have been told there is no other units in the town centre.”
Councillor Gillian Martin said: “This is a good addition and there is a high population around the retail park and it would be a shame if Christchurch lost M&S altogether.”
Members of the planning committee voted five to one in favour of the application, with one councillor abstaining.
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