A £16 million retail park in Blackwood could be demolished after councillors rejected a plan to transform it into a supermarket.
Morrisons had been lined up to take over the main 46,000 sq ft unit at Blackwood Gate Retail Park after Focus DIY went bust last year. The move could have created 400 jobs for the local area.
The site’s owners, Linnell Investments, only had permission for retailers selling non-food bulky items and needed a change of use.
Last week though, Caerphilly County Borough Council’s planning committee of councillors turned down the plan down.
Members were recommended to refuse permission by officers on the grounds that it could harm Blackwood town centre.
The report presented to councillors stated: “In considering the submitted Planning and Retail statements there is clear need to take cognisance of the current economic situation affecting retail uses, which is at some contrast to the statements.
“Paragraph 7.25 [of the application] asserts that the proposal will not have a detrimental impact on the vitality or viability of any centre/store. Yet the proposed foodstore is estimated to have an annual turnover of £23 million.
“There can be no doubt that such a diversion of trade would hit Blackwood Town and other town centres hard if the proposal for convenience retailing on Blackwood Gate were approved.”
A spokesman for Linnell Investments told the South Wales Argus: “It is difficult to understand the reason for this decision, given the overwhelming support of Blackwood councillors and local people for the proposed new store and the high level of unemployment and lack of opportunity in the area.”
I think the planning concern was less that of trade in Blackwood town and more the potential impact upon their pet project in Bargoed village. Where they are seeking to create an artificial town by diverting investment and trade from other areasof the borough. Prior to Morrisons agreeing to a store in Bargoed they were a little more upfront and honest about this.
Bargoed is the second biggest town in the Rhymney Valley. Between Ystrad Mynach and Tredegar is is not one big supermarket. The Labour party in the Rhymney valley are at odds with Islwyn party over Morrisons. At least Morrisons can build a petrol station, they wouldn't be able in Blackwood. The Labour government in Cardiff turned down the development also.