Support quality, independent, local journalism…that matters
From just £1 a month you can help fund our work – and use our website without adverts. Become a member today
Proposals to bring Burger King back to Caerphilly town centre have been refused again.
In May 2022, a planning application was submitted to Caerphilly County Borough Council to change the Game store in Castle Court Shopping Centre into the fast-food chain.
This was re-submitted by Cardiff-based planning consultancy Turley last month on behalf of the applicant Signal RPII, but has since been refused for the second time under delegated powers.
What are delegated powers?
If a planning application is straightforward and uncontroversial, for example an extension on a house, then it is decided by a Planning Officer who has delegated powers.
Delegated powers allow the Planning Officer to decide whether to approve or reject a planning application, without the need for the council’s planning committee to make that decision.
Planning Officers have delegated powers because of their impartial position, qualifications, and experience. A planning officer has the power to refer a decision to the planning committee if it has community-wide impact.
Larger scale planning application, like the building of a new housing estate for example, would be decided by the council’s planning committee. Other applications, such as those which are complex or have received many objections during the consultation, would also be decided the council’s planning committee.
Planning officers refused the first application because there are already five food and drink shops in Castle Court Shopping Centre. It currently has a Costa, Greggs, and the Gatehouse – in addition to newly opened Fablas ice cream shop and LongPlay Coffee.
In its decision on the re-submission, the council said the loss of a retail unit for a restaurant is not justified.
Under its planning conditions, the shopping centre has a limit on the amount of food and drink shops it can host.
Castle Court has previously been home to a Burger King, but this closed in 2017 after the company operating the franchise went into administration.
Support quality, independent, local journalism…that matters
From just £1 a month you can help fund our work – and use our website without adverts.
Become a member today