BREAKING NEWS: Claymore retail park for Leighton Buzzard approved

Councillors have supported the first application for a Leighton Buzzard retail park at today's development control committee meeting of Central Beds Council.
Claymore retail park for Leighton BuzzardClaymore retail park for Leighton Buzzard
Claymore retail park for Leighton Buzzard

The scheme, from the Claymore Group, already had outline approval from CBC dating back to November 2013 for a £15m Grovebury Road scheme. That was for a garden centre, four smaller warehouse units for bulky goods retailers, and a pub/restaurant.

Now Claymore has been given the full go-ahead on more detailed aspects of the development, including the appearance and scale of the buildings, landscaping and site layout.

The retail floor space has been cut from 8,037sq metres to 7,258sq metres, with the restaurant/café/public house building replaced by a drive-thru restaurant, and the garden centre building reclassified as “outdoor projects retail”.

Leighton-Linslade Town Council opposed the Claymore plan because it said the detailed plan was “materially different” to the outline permission.

They had concerns about the proposed size of the retail units, car parking configuration and reduction from 318 to 277 spaces, landscaping, and the nature of the food outlet. Fears were also expressed regarding traffic movement and the potential impact on the town centre.

In the detailed plans Claymore also sought to remove the retail restrictions at the park. Currently those categories allowed are DIY, plants and garden products; furniture/home furnishings; office equipment and stationary; motor vehicle parts and accessories; cycles; home technology, electrical goods; pets and pet supplies; Christmas decorations and seasonal goods.

CBC planning officers were recommending that councillors approve the application and they went along with that view today voting 12-0 in favour, with one abstention.

It now means Claymore can press ahead and build the retail park.

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