by David Sands
The Co-operative Wholesale Society have won planning consent for a 455,000-sq ft shopping scheme in Margate Road on the Isle of Thanet, Kent.
An inquiry was held last year into the proposals, which include a store base for South East Co-op.
To be known as Westwood Park, the centre will feature three main stores linked by a 100,000-sq ft shopping mall to a number of retail warehouses totalling 120,000 sq ft. A food court and leisure elements will also be provided.
Malcolm Clark, general manager of CWS Property Group, commenting on the DOE’s decision, said: “The park represents a real boost for the area’s economy and is confirmation of the Government’s support for out-of-town retailing in the right location.” Drivers Jonas advised CWS.
At the same time as the inquiry, Environment Secretary Mr Ridley also considered two other shopping scheme appeals and has given his decision on those. Sainsbury’s were given consent for a 50,000-sq ft store opposite the CWS site, while Safeway have also won permission to build 40,000 sq ft of shopping nearby.
