Erection of retail warehousing at Ross approved

Planning permission for the erection of retail warehousing at BP on the Ross Spur northbound at Ross has been approved by members of the southern area planning sub-committee at their meeting on Wednesday, October 15.

The site is located within the identified settlement boundary of Ross-on-Wye and within the Wye Valley Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and comprises land formerly occupied by a petrol filling station and restaurant.

Three retails units are proposed, each with a floor area of 480 square metres, situated between Ross Labels, KFC and an approved office building. The units will be for Carpetright, Pets at Home and Halfords. 70 spaces for customer parking will be provided at the front of the buildings, including 5 disabled spaces and cycle parking.

The proposals included a contribution towards the upgrade of footpath ZK1 or ZK2 which runs from Brampton Road to the application site and a contribution towards a bus service to access the site.

The application received a mixed response from consultees but had support from Ross Town Council, Ross Rural Council, Advantage West Midlands and the Chamber of Commerce. Members debated the impact of the proposal on the vitality and viability of the town centre, the impact on the Wye Valley Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and the impact on the road network.

It was agreed to advertise the application as a departure from the development plan and, depending on the responses received, consider whether the Secretary of State needs to be notified.

If the scheme gains the final go-ahead, it will be on condition that the following items are not sold:

• Food and drink to be consumed off the premises
• Clothing and footwear
• Cutlery, crockery and glassware
• Toys, camping and travel goods
• Books, audio and visual recordings and stationery except for office supplies
• Medical goods, cosmetics and toiletries
• Sports goods, equipment and clothing