A bid to bulldoze a furniture manufacturing business to make way for retail outlets and a car auction in Newport is set to get the go ahead from planning chiefs.
More than 40 jobs could be created if the development at Parkland House and Classic Furniture site in Audley Avenue is approved.Directors of Classic Furniture had breathed a sigh of relief when Telford & Wrekin Council threw out similar proposals last year over fears that convenience stores planned for the site would affect jobs.
But the same developer, David Tringham of Classic Developments, has now submitted another outline application.
Members of Telford & Wrekin Council’s plans board are being recommended to grant permission subject to conditions at a meeting on Wednesday.
The conditions include restricting goods sold at the retail units to DIY goods, gardening goods and equipment, furniture, furnishings and floor coverings, motorcycle goods and accessories, electrical goods, pet food and office equipment.
The report to the meeting says that the applicant states that Classic Furniture has a lease agreement with the applicant and site owner until September, after which time the firm would be required to find alternative premises as the landowner will not be renewing the lease.
The applicant also states that Classic Furniture can be retained and incorporated into the new business building should they have difficulties finding alternative premises.
The report to the meeting says: “The applicant states that the proposal will result in a net gain in jobs. Whilst job creation from retail uses should not be considered an important criterion upon which to offset the potential loss of jobs from the Classic Furniture part of the site.”
It says that even if Classic Furniture relocated to a unit within the redeveloped site, which the applicant says is an option, there could still be an increase in more than 40 jobs created.
The report says the plans for Parkland House would increase and improve the employment facilities available and improve highway safety.
Newport Town Council is concerned the development would have a direct detrimental impact on retail outlets in the High Street and that there was little evidence that the proposals would bring more or less jobs.
Planning officers say the latest plans would have a more limited impact on Newport town centre than the previous application.
