While shopping centres and high streets nationwide continue to post more positive footfall results than have been seen since the beginning of the financial crisis, data from the British Retail Consortium (BRC) indicates that out of town retail parks are still enjoying a higher level of success. This has seen local authorities grant planning permission for increasing numbers of such developments, with a designer retail park at Scotch Corner becoming the latest to get the green light.
Although the development still needs to receive permission from the Secretary of State for Housing and Planning, Brandon Lewis MP, before construction work can begin in earnest, the planning approval from Richmondshire District Council is a major step towards realising the development.
Should final approval be granted, developer Scotch Corner Richmond LLP will invest £50 million into creating the designer outlet centre which could prove to be a major draw for tourism in the north of England.
The plans submitted to the council reveal that the eventual development will measure around 250,000 sq ft, with the 90 retail units to be occupied by high end brands such as Armani, Prada and Gucci. Plans are also in place for several restaurant and café units on site, and the development could potentially create up to 700 new jobs in the local area.
Councillor Jill McMullon believes that the retail destination could prove a powerful draw for visitors, as well as ensuring a high percentage of consumer spending remains within the local area.
She says; “It will be an amazing opportunity to boost the whole economy.
“It will provide jobs we desperately need and, far from damaging the local market towns, I think it will bring tourism shoppers to the area.
“With the promise of a tourist information centre on the site, this will encourage people to explore nearby towns and the rest of the Dales.”
However, as suggested by Councillor McMullon’s remarks, the decision to grant planning permission has proven somewhat controversial in neighbouring towns. Other local councils including Stockton-on-Tees, Hambleton, Darlington and Middlesbrough have all registered their opposition to the development, claiming that it will have a detrimental impact upon footfall in their own districts.
In addition, during the council meeting a number of local residents raised concerns regarding possible flood risks in nearby villages as a direct result of construction works on the site. These objections were noted and will be discussed with the Environment Agency before the final decision is taken by Mr Lewis.
Richmondshire District Council leader, Councillor John Blackie, believes that any issues that arise from the development will be far outweighed by the gains for the local economy and population.
He says; “Darlington has the strongest possible objection, but there will be many people from the town and surrounding area that will benefit from employment if it should go ahead.
“There are also a number of leisure opportunities being built in Darlington which can only bring positives to the town.”
