ÊA proposed new Bridgnorth town centre DIY and garden centre could look like a factory and be alien to the landscape, councillors are being warned.
Sainsbury’s are seeking approval for the design and outside appearance of the outlets – whose tenants have yet to be agreed – for the Old Smithfield, as part of their package of development which includes the Whitburn Street relief road.
But development control director Trevor Tarran will be recommending that councillors reject the detailed plans when they meet on Monday. He reports that the council’s conservation officer, Sarah Lowe, has advised that the overall design is like a warehouse or factory building.
‘Bridgnorth does not have factory or warehouse buildings, particularly in this area of the town, so the building would appear alien to the character and appearance of the area,’ she warns.
She adds that even if these are accepted there are concerns over details, which include a plain boundary wall and railings and simplistic elevations.
Mr Tarran reports that changes have been made which much improve the appearance of the proposed development from the original scheme, but some areas and inconsistencies need further clarification before permission is given.
Outline planning permission, including siting and access arrangements for the DIY and garden centre, which would be partly covered, was given in 2005.
The three-bay DIY centre, with a raised ‘louvre box’ section along its ridges, would be near the medical centre and cricket ground boundaries and the garden centre would be between the store and relief road.
Outline permission as well as reserved matters to extend Sainsbury’s, build four shops, provide car parking and the relief road, as well as arrangements for the Saturday market, have already been given.
The town council’s planning committee gave their backing to the application this week, but concerns about car parking were raised.
Concerns about details of the original application were raised by the civic society, but Mr Tarran says that their comments on the amended scheme are awaited.
