Assessment of Planning and Retail Issues - Renfrewshire Council

PROPOSED EXTENSIONS AT 2 ASSESSMENT OF PLANNING AND RETAIL ISSUES
BRAEHEAD RETAIL PARK MAY 2010
main centre and the bus station, and will enhance the connectivity between the
facilities. As with the eastern unit, the main design features of the western unit will
reflect the design of the existing buildings, so that both extensions connect
seamlessly into the existing structures.
1.6 Minor adjustments will be made to the road markings and traffic island at the north
end of the bus station in order to accommodate the proposed changes, and one
of the bus stances will be slightly repositioned.
1.7 The opportunity will also be taken to alter and improve the footpath route at the
west end of the retail park, making a stronger and more attractive link between
the retail park, bus station, main centre entrance and riverside boulevard. Muchimproved
landscaped areas will be provided in this area between the retail park
and the riverside, and additional landscaping will also be provided where the
roadway is being reduced in width to accommodate the western extension. The
covered walkway which runs along the front of the retail warehouse units will be
extended westwards across the front of the new unit, and an enlarged pedestrian
circulation area will be provided here, in front of the unit between the car park
and the road.
1.8 In recognition of the fact that the amount of parking spaces provided at Braehead
exceeds the national parking standards, no additional parking spaces are being
proposed for this development.
1.9 Also being proposed is a new mezzanine floor within the existing Curry’s retail unit
at the retail park, amounting to an additional 2,323 square metres gross floorspace.
Following discussions with officers of Renfrewshire Council, it has been agreed
that this proposal should be brought forward by means of an application for a
Certificate of Lawful Use or Development, on the basis that the installation of a
mezzanine floor does not constitute development and this does not require
planning permission. Consequently does not require to be assessed against
current planning policy.
1.10 CSC recognise that the installation of mezzanine floors throughout the retail park
could, if pursued in an uncontrolled manner, raise issues of concern in relation to
possible effects on trade in other centres. Accordingly, CSC have agreed that if
Renfrewshire Council is minded to approve the current proposals, they will enter
into a legal agreement with the council, the effect of which will be to prevent
further installation of mezzanine floors in the retail park, other than any which may