Home Bargains look set to open a store in Ledbury after a planning application was submitted to Herefordshire Council.
A Planning and Retail Assessment (‘PRA’) has been prepared by Quod on behalf of TJ
Morris Limited (‘TJM’) (‘the Applicant’).
The PRA supports a full planning application for the refurbishment of the existing Homebase at Galebreaker House, New Mills Industrial Estate, Ledbury, HR8 2S (‘the Application Site’).
Specifically, planning permission is sought for the following development.
“Continued use of retail unit within Class E along with the ability to sell a wider range of retail goods. Comprehensive refurbishment to existing building and layout.”
The Application Site comprises a well-established retail destination and is recognised as being an appropriate location for large-format retailing, currently occupied by Homebase whose lease expires soon.
A new lease has not been agreed and Homebase have confirmed that they will be vacating the unit at lease expiry.
Given the lease expiry and a desire to avoid the unit becoming vacant, alternative occupiers have been identified and the Application Site has been identified as an appropriate location for a new Home Bargains (HB) store (the trading arm of TJM).
Subject to modifications as set out in this planning application, the Homebase site can achieve their operational requirements and alongside their desire to be represented in Ledbury.
It is understand that up to 100 full and part time roles would be created, if Home Bargains opens in Ledbury.
However, not everyone is in favour of the proposed opening of a Home Bargains store.
One person (Mr Wathen) who objects to the proposed Home Bargains store said:
“Homebase is a good all round DIY store which will be lost if this is turned into a home bargains as they will sell a wide range of goods already available in the independent shops in the town centre.”
Ledbury Town Council have confirmed they have no objections to the proposal.
You can find out more details on this application by visiting the Herefordshire Council website and searching for planning application reference – P241353/F
