HOME Bargains is set to open a new branch in Dorset after plans were approved - in a move that will create 60 jobs.
As previously reported, Hopkins Estates LTD submitted plans to build a two-storey retail unit, car park and surrounding landscaping at Kingsmead Business Park in Gillingham.
The proposed 1,429sqm Home Bargains store will sell a mixture of food and drink, homeware, cleaning supplies and toiletries.
Developers aim to build 100 new car parking spaces as well as six bicycle parking spaces. The proposed store would be accessed by a newly constructed road which will also provide access to a new petrol station.
A planning application states Home Bargains would create 60 jobs as well as provide a boost and ‘significant investment’ to Gillingham’s economy.
Developers also stated they had assessed other locations in Gillingham, but found the Kingsmead Business Park site to be an adequate site for a new Home Bargains store.
Gillingham Town Council’s planning committee had met previously to discuss the plans, and discussed the store’s economical benefits for the town.
Councillors agreed a new Home Bargains would ‘support the economic development of the town and will provide job opportunities’ and is in line with the North Dorset Local Plan.
Two councillors at Dorset Council, Belina Ridout and Val Pothecary, were both 'happy' and 'pleased to support this application' during the consultation period.
After no responses from the public, the application was recently approved by Dorset Council.
Case officer Simon McFarlane approved the plans under delegated powers, with various conditions imposed including when construction can take place.
Mr McFarlane wrote on the Scheme Of Delegation Consultation Form: "I concur with the view of the Chair and am satisfied that under the provisions of Dorset Council’s constitution this application can be determined as a delegated decision.
"I note that councillor Ridout, councillor Pothecary and Gillingham Town Council support this application, and that no representations have been received from members of the public.
"Whilst there is some conflict with adopted planning policies, the proposed retail use does not meet the threshold for referral to the Secretary of State, and therefore the application is not required to be referred to the planning committee under paragraph 134 (iv) of the Officer scheme of delegation, which forms part of the Council’s Constitution.
"Overall, taking all of the above into account, I consider that this is an appropriate application to determine under delegated powers."
When open, it will be the fourth Home Bargains branch to open in Dorset, with other stores based in Bournemouth, Poole and Weymouth.
Kingsmead Business Park is already home to a number of business units, including Screwfix, Guild of Fine Food and City Plumbing Supplies, a new petrol station currently being constructed.
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