New M&S Foodhall approved for former Homebase site in Poole
M&S has been given the greenlight to put a Foodhall in Redlands Retail Park in Poole, despite concerns over congestion
Plans for a new Marks & Spencer Foodhall at the former Homebase site in Poole have been approved by councillors.
The scheme will transform the vacant unit at Redlands Retail Park into two separate stores, with one occupied by an M&S Foodhall and the second earmarked for a bulky goods retailer yet to be announced.
Approved by BCP Council’s planning committee, the development will also include an expanded car park providing 199 parking spaces and 58 cycle spaces.
As part of the project, M&S has pledged £30,000 towards a new bus stop intended to improve pedestrian access to the retail park.
The planning application attracted mixed reactions from residents and businesses.
While supporters welcomed the regeneration of a long-vacant retail site and the prospect of new jobs, objectors raised concerns over increased traffic, road safety and the impact on existing town centre businesses.
An M&S spokesperson, Phil Marsden, said the new store would include “an in-store bakery, hot chicken counter, sushi bar and a click and collect point”.
“We are investing circa £12 million into this site and will create up to 90 jobs,” he added. “The store will also help support local suppliers and farmers within the Poole and Dorset area.”
Several councillors questioned how the additional traffic generated by the development would affect nearby junctions and accessibility for disabled residents and mobility scooter users.
Tony Trent said: “The nearby roundabout was already difficult to navigate and you take calculated risks to get out of the site, so something needs to be done to make it safer.”
Others argued the retail park location would be more convenient for shoppers than town centre sites.
Gillian Martin said: “I think it is perfect having it outside of a town centre. Parking is horrendously expensive in Bournemouth to the point of being prohibitive to running a business there.”
Councillors approved the plans by six votes to two.