A retail complex consisting of two large adjoining stores on the edge of Blackburn town center will be able to remain open despite not having formal approval when it opened in May.
It was revealed in July that Cooks Villa Catering Center and the Home Fix, DIY and Garden Center next door on Ordnance Street, off Copy Nook, did not have the necessary planning permission. It became.
Blackburn, now working with Darwen Council, has regularized the operation by giving Hanjira International Foods Limited retrospective approval for the two stores.
The Cooks Villa site was used as a garage until 2015, but was only licensed to operate as a wholesale warehouse for trade customers, not as a retail store.
The Home Fix store took over the former Hanjira Cash and Carry site after the move.
Cooks Villa store Planning permission had not been obtained for the conversion from a food wholesaler to a retail warehouse for the purpose of selling DIY and gardening supplies.
Cook Villa carries a wide variety of items including pots, pans, glasses, gifts, storage supplies, decorations, and more.
Spread over 27,000 sq ft, it is believed to be the largest showroom of its kind in the north of England.
A supporting statement submitted with the retrospective application in July said the two new retailers had created jobs and increased choice for shoppers from Blackburn and the wider East Lancashire area.
The Home Fix DIY Store They added that the two stores were not expected to impact on the vitality and viability of the town center due to the products being sold.
The planning officer’s report states: “The applicant emphasizes that the retail warehouse subject to this application will be located alongside the adjoining retail warehouse application, ‘linking’ the two together.
“Together, the units will each provide DIY kitchen/dining household items and bulky items.
“Due to the nature of retail sales, the sales model relies on the customer’s ability to easily transport bulky/heavy items to their home, making it suitable for car travel and locations away from central locations. It is written as “Claim.”
“The applicant has not been able to identify any other available and suitably sized sites in the town center or on the edge of the centre.
“The council would agree with the assessment of the site described above, but equally any other sites in the town center or on the edge of the city center that may be suitable or available for the type of retail warehousing required. I’m not even aware of the site.
“The proposed (albeit retrospective) development would reuse existing vacant units and supports the council’s approach to prioritizing and maximizing the use of suitable brownfield land. be.”
