Northern Trust overturns retail decision

Northern Trust has successfully appealed against a planning refusal from Chorley Council for the redevelopment of the Carrington Centre in Eccleston.

The outline planning application was approved this week by an independent inspector following a successful appeal.

The proposals are to demolish the existing mill offices and shops and replace them with 10 retail units totalling 42,000 sq ft and a supermarket. The shops will accommodate existing retailers including the Post Office and pharmacy with upper floor offices and library. The car parking will be increased and new servicing facilities will be created to improve deliveries.

The outline planning permission includes the redevelopment of the rear of the site with a separate access from the retail centre for a range of new family homes which will include a significant proportion of affordable homes for local people and an improved ecological habitat.

A spokesman for Northern Trust said: "We have always been committed to the redevelopment of the Carrington Centre to the benefit of existing businesses and the local community. The plans put forward represent a major investment into the future of Eccleston and the wider borough despite the difficult economic times. We have worked very closely with local people and the council in bringing forward the successful regeneration of this vital facility for the benefit of all."

Chorley Council initially sided with local objectors who opposed the scale of the development and a neighbouring residential scheme of 40 houses also planned by Northern Trust. However, the council did not fight the developer at appeal.

Northern Trust will now look to identify a suitable retail operator for the supermarket, and hope to submit a detailed planning application in the near future.

Pegasus Planning and architects Paddock Johnson Partnership advised Northern Trust.