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Search the Public Notice PortalThe Co-op hopes to open a new convenience store in Bishops Lydeard in a bid to stop customers shopping in rival outlets in Taunton and other locations, writes Phil Hill.
A planning application has been submitted to Somerset Council seeking permission to build the new premises in a 173-house David Wilson Homes development at Moorland Gate, off Taunton Road.
It would replace the company’s existing “no longer fit for purpose” decades old store in Church Street.
The site of the proposed single storey store was previously granted permission for a care home, although developers failed to attract any interest.
It has been used as a temporary builder’s yard for several years in association with the housing development.
A second planning application seeks to build nine homes near the store.
A spokesperson for West Coast Convenience Ltd, on behalf of the Co-op, said: “The existing store is no longer fit for purpose and provides a limited offering to the community.
“Due to the small size of the store, it lacks sufficient shelf space and a suitable back of house area, which limits the product ranges that can be offered to customers.
“Therefore, trade is leaking to larger shops and stores in other local centres within the wider area.”
The applicant added “a larger and more up-to-date premises” with extended floorspace was needed “for the continuation of the business in the village."
The new Co-op store would contain 385 square metres, including sales area, stock room and staff facilities, with associated access, delivery bay and parking outside.
The spokesperson added: “This is the most suitable location for the convenience store at the site because it allows for easy pedestrian access and the provision of a suitable car park including a delivery bay and loading for the new store.
“This ensures that deliveries can be handled on-site, as opposed to delivery vehicles parking on the highway, which is the current arrangement for the existing store in Bishops Lydeard.”
The current store has limit aisle widths and cannot be extended or modified to improve accessibility due to “site constraints”.
“The Co-op wish to remain within Bishops Lydeard to serve the village’s growing population, but there are no suitable existing commercial premises available within the village which provide a suitable sales and back of house area with dedicated parking facilities,” said the spokesperson.
“Therefore, the operator wishes to proceed with a new build development to better serve the daily and top-up shopping needs of the local community.”
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