The developer Inoco is considering challenging the Kidderminster Local Plan in the High Court.
Wyre Forest Council used the local plan to justify outline planning consent two weeks ago for Centros’ proposed retail scheme on 10 acre (24.7 acres) in the town centre.
At the same meeting the Council rejected Inoco’s proposals for an 11,890 sq m (128,000 sq ft) retail warehouse scheme on the 9.38ha (23.17 acre) former Coloroll site next to a Sainsbury superstore at Crossley Park.
The Coloroll site is identified in the Local Plan for retail warehousing – as well as leisure and tourism – provided there are are no other “suitable and available” retail warehouse sites in the town centre.
Centros and Wimpey Property Holdings’ proposals include 7,229 sq m (78,000 sq ft) for larger retail units. In his report recommending approval, the council’s head of development control, Jake Berriman, describes the site as having a number of contraints, but with the advantage of being next to the town’s existing retail core.
“This is a substantial site in multiple ownership and known to be contaminated by historical uses,” he said. He argued that the Centros site was suitable and available. He also described the Coloroll site as being out of centre.
At the same meeting the Widnes-based developer Morbaine was refused consent for an 11,705 sq m (126,000 sq ft) retail warehouse and leisure scheme on a 6.6ha (16.3 acre) site in southern Kidderminster.
Berriman said both this and the Inoco scheme were premature.
EGi News 07/10/96
