Addingham Co-op store plans approved despite petition (From Ilkley Gazette)
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Addingham Co-op store plans approved despite petition
9:31am Thursday 1st November 2012 in News
Plans to convert a carpet showroom into a Co-operative convenience store have been approved by Bradford Council despite the concerns of Addingham residents.
A senior planning officer acting under delegated powers has granted permission to The Co-operative Group for external alterations and signage at the main street shop, currently occupied by Philip Walton Fine Furnishings.
The council recently approved a licensing application, giving the Co-op permission to sell alcohol up until 10pm, seven days a week.
There has been opposition to the plan from concerned residents, who fear the store could put pressure on small businesses in Addingham, create extra traffic and parking problems on narrow village roads and result in noise disturbance from deliveries.
No ‘change of use’ consent is required for the proposed new store, as the building is already used for retail.
The planning application focused on design of the alterations to the building.
Villagers last week presented a 90-signature petition opposing the new store to Addingham Parish Council, which members agreed to note.
In its decision notice, Bradford Council said: “The impact of the proposed physical alterations to the existing retail unit have been assessed and it is considered they will have no significant adverse effects on local amenity, the amenity of occupiers of neighbouring properties or the character and appearance of the Conservation Area, within which the property is located.”
Philip Walton Fine Furnish-ings, which is currently trading at the Main Street building, has been seeking alternative premises. The company recently said it was not intending to close down.
Meanwhile, the debate about another Co-op store is continuing at Burley-in-Wharfedale.
The Co-operative Group already operates a conven-ience store in a cramped Main Street shop unit, but is seeking planning permission from Bradford Council to move into an extended Burley Library in Grange Road.
Burley Parish Council will discuss its response to the proposals during a planning committee meeting at 7.30pm on Tuesday in the Queen’s Hall, Main Street.
