Home Bargains in Blackwood has been granted planning permission to expand into a neighbouring unit at Blackwood Gate Retail Park. The discount retailer proposed merging its site with the former Sports Direct premises and refurbishing the combined space to create one larger store.
Planning Approval and Investment
Planning agents at Quod said the "upsizing" of the store would allow Home Bargains to "further invest in the local area". The proposals would bring "socio-economic benefits" to the town, "including the retention and increase in jobs, private sector investment and an improvement in Blackwood's retail offer", they added.
Frasers Group, which operates Sports Direct, declined to comment on its future plans for its Blackwood operations at the time the application was submitted.
Project Details and Public Response
A Caerphilly County Borough Council planning report shows the project also involves proposals to relocate the unit's entrance and add trolley shelters. No members of the public lodged any objections to the plans during a recent consultation period.
The planners said the council operates a "town centre first" policy for commercial and retail ventures, but described Blackwood Gate Retail Park as an "appropriate" location. They also noted available commercial spaces in the town centre were not suitable for the proposed redevelopment.
Permission Granted
Officers granted planning permission, subject to conditions. A subsequent request for the wording of the permission to be updated, to specify the Home Bargains unit can sell food and drink, was also approved.
