Plans for former Peacocks at St Helens Retail Park unit given go-ahead

An application proposing the installation of floorspace at mezzanine level in unit A2 has been approved, subject to conditions.

The plans comprise the creation of an additional 948 sq m – gross internal area (GIA) – of floorspace at the unit at the retail park off Peasley Cross Lane.

In the cover letter, it said there are no external works proposed as part of this application – and the floorspace is required to ‘meet the operational requirements of a prospective incoming tenant’ and will ensure that the floorspace ‘continues to contribute to the positive economic impacts’ of the retail park.

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It added: “The new floorspace will be used for the retail sale and display of goods in accordance with the established use of the floorspace at the site.

“Planning permission is only required for works entirely within an existing building if those works involve an increase in floorspace of more than 200 sq m (GIA) of a building in use for ‘retail’ purposes.

“As the proposed development will create a net increase of 948 sq m, a formal application is therefore required. However, it should be noted that only 748 sq m effectively requires planning permission; given that up to 200 sq m of floorspace could be created without any requirement for planning permission.

“Such an increase in floorspace is not considered to be material in the context of the existing retail park and thus there is no realistic prospect for any change to its established role and function.

“As the proposed development does not impact on the external appearance of the existing unit, the only relevant consideration relate to the accordance with primary land use polices in respect of ‘main town centre’ uses.

“These policies require applicants to demonstrate that a sequential approach has been adopted and that thee will not be a ‘significant adverse impact’ on the viability and vitality of defined centres.”