Bridgnorth shopping complex would 'claw back trade lost to other towns'
A controversial shop development would "claw back trade lost to other towns," according to council officers.
The Old Smithfield development in Bridgnorth would not have a significant negative impact on the town, according to a new report released ahead of the Shropshire Council Planning Committee meeting on Tuesday.
Papers have been released that recommend approval for the five shops, which have caused outcry from residents and have attracted 125 objecting comments from local people and just two in support.
A petition with 6,840 signatures, organised by Bridgnorth's Chamber of Commerce, was also handed in to Shropshire Council.
But council officers said that the proposed units will provide larger retail units than are currently available in the town centre but will not be as big as out of town retail parks.
Case officer Karen Townend says in a report released today: "The applicants also suggest that the proposal will provide greater retail choice, reduce the need to travel and create jobs.
"It is expected the size of the stores will therefore compete with other large stores in neighbouring towns rather than competing with the smaller stores in Bridgnorth and therefore that the proposed development will claw back trade lost to other towns which do have shops of this size."
The report concludes that approval of the development would not have a significant adverse impact on the "vitality and viability" of Bridgnorth town centre and that there are no "sequentially preferable" sites.
The report notes that Bridgnorth Town Council recommended refusal on the grounds that the loss of car parking provision and increased parking demand are "unacceptable", particularly on a Saturday, with consideration of possible future impact on the town from extra housing, loss of Westgate car park, the impact on the hospital, surgery and schools.
The proposed development provides 158 car park spaces, a reduction of 120.
The developers, Ziran Land Ltd, said that the scheme is expected to draw around £2million from the town centre, equating to 4.7 per cent.
The report adds: "This level of impact is not considered to be significantly adverse."
In order to direct vehicles to an alternative car park, Innage Lane, the developers are proposing to provide additional signage.
