Step closer as planning ruling clears way for £3.5million Home Bargains 'double-size' extension and new garden centre at Northern Ireland shopping centre
Mid Ulster planners rule Sewer Adoption Agreement not required for major Co Tyrone store extension and new garden centre
Plans that would see the Home Bargains store more than double in size at the Oaks Shopping Centre are a step closer, as Mid Ulster planning officers have determined there is no need for a Sewer Adoption Agreement.
Such an agreement, according to planners, is not required as it only applies to multi-unit developments, as opposed to single units.
The major scheme will see the retail unit in Dungannon significantly enhanced, in addition to a new garden centre.
Plans for the revamped site were approved in June. However, the Sewer Adoption Agreement remained an issue until this month’s Planning meeting of Mid Ulster District Council, when a recommendation was made for that requirement to be removed altogether.
The recommendation was proposed by Councillor Deirdre Varsani (Sinn Féin, Dungannon DEA) and seconded by Councillor Clement Cuthbertson (Democratic Unionist Party, Dungannon DEA).
Mid Ulster District Council planning officers described the applicant’s plans in their June report, stating: “This proposal is for the extension of a long-established Home Bargains store, increasing the store from 1,040sq m gross to 2,183sq m gross, with a garden centre of 760sq m gross.
“The proposal is to double the footprint of the current store, extending it westwards into the derelict brownfield lands. The north, east and west elevations will remain unchanged. The existing vehicular access to the Oaks Centre will be used, along with the existing car park.
“The service yard will continue to have an access from Dunlea Vale, and the service access point will move slightly to the west.
“Through the submitted retail assessment, the applicant/agent has demonstrated the proposal will have strong local economic benefits.
“Within the submitted Retail Statement, the following economic benefits have been demonstrated: £3.5million investment; sustain existing retail jobs; 80 construction-related jobs; significant rates boost; and regeneration of [a] derelict brownfield site.
“It also has been demonstrated that the development will not harm amenity of any nearby property.”