John Lewis store would help 'claw back shoppers'

Council officers have recommended approval of the plans for a new John Lewis 'at home' store at Parkway

A JOHN Lewis ‘at home' store in Newbury would help build a strong local economy, according to West Berkshire Council planning officers.

Tonight (Wednesday), district councillors will make a decision on plans to reconfigure part of Parkway to create a new three-storey anchor store at the 475,000 sq ft mixed-use retail and residential development, with officers recommending approval for the plans, despite objections from House of Fraser, Newbury Town Council and two local residents.

The objections centred around the overpowering size of the proposed unit, the loss of smaller retail units, the loss of 86 retail car parking spaces and the loss of the previously proposed open space, Victoria Place, while the objection by the House of Fraser also claimed the proposal of a second anchor store in addition to Debenhams was contrary to the planning policy that seeks to promote competitive town centre environments.

In the House of Fraser objection, submitted by the Development Planning Partnership (DPP), they said a second anchor store should not replace the opportunity to create a more diverse development and argued that a similar operator to Debenhams and nearby Marks and Spencer would not create a unique shopping experience at Parkway.

The House of Fraser and DPP, however, have refused to offer an explanation for their objection when contacted by Newburytoday.co.uk

Meanwhile, in the report before councillors on the western area planning committee tonight, council planning officers have said the proposal fully complies with policy, adding that in their opinion, the proposed store would result in a significant increase in footfall to the town centre.

The report said: “The scheme will help to ‘claw back' shoppers in Newbury's retail catchment area that are currently visiting larger centres such as Reading and Basingstoke for their main fashion and comparison goods shopping purchases, as well as from out-of-centre shopping locations.”

In addition, council officers said that while the loss of Victoria Place was “regrettable”, it was considered that the positive impact on the local economy of having a John Lewis ‘at home' store, which focuses on furniture, furnishing accessories, electricals and home technology, in the town centre would outweigh the loss.

Officers also said the loss of car parking spaces should not be an issue as there was a general surplus of parking within Newbury town centre.

The manager of the Kennet Centre, Mag Williams, and the chief executive of Camp Hopson, Jonathan Hopson, have also welcomed the concept and competition of a John Lewis ‘at home' store in Newbury, adding that it would bring vitality to the town and contribute positively to the future of Parkway.

The store, if approved, would bring about 170 jobs to the area and join Debenhams, H&M, New Look, Topshop and Jones the Bootmaker as confirmed stores in the new shopping centre.

Log back on to www.newburytoday.co.uk tomorrow (Thursday) to find out the decision.