A new B&M store could be coming to a Sefton seaside town if plans are approved.
The proposal, to convert two stores at Central 12 retail park on Derby Road in Southport into one large B&M is set to be discussed at a meeting of Sefton Council’s planning committee tomorrow.
The store could also include a garden sales area at the back of the store if the plans are approved.
READ MORE: Lloyds Bank issues £642 warning to all customers
The plans have been submitted in the hopes of varying an existing planning condition for the retail park which bans the sale of food from the units.
A major issue for Sefton Council is whether the store will be relocating from its existing Lord Street shop and whether this would have an “adverse impact” on Southport Town Centre.
B&M have stated they “remain committed” however to staying at the Lord Street site at least until the end of the current lease, which runs out in December 2025, and instead said that the plans mean an expansion within the town rather than a relocation.
The comments were in response to an impact report carried out by Nexus, which claimed that “given the existing fragile nature of the town centre, the proposal is considered to comprise a significant adverse impact” which the report states B&M’s legal counsel called “wholly illogical and artificial” and based on an “erroneous assumption” B&M would be relocating from Lord Street.
B&M’s counsel instead argued the development would bring benefits to the town centre as well as deliver more consumer choice during a cost of living crisis and create 40 new jobs in the town.
The report notes a concern that granting permission could provide an incentive for B&M to leave Lord Street once the lease is up, which is to an extent “out of the control” of the discount retailer.
Officers recommended approving the plans, subject to conditions, which will be discussed and decided by councillors at a meeting of Sefton Council’s planning committee tomorrow, January 18 at Bootle Town Hall from 6.30pm.
Receive newsletters with the latest news, sport and what's on updates from the Liverpool ECHO by signing up here
READ NEXT
Woman in serious condition after 'machete' attack as man remains in custody
Stomach churning photos show inside Chinese takeaway hit with £6,000 fine
Live updates as ice causes travel disruption across Merseyside
When will teachers across Merseyside go on strike? Full list of dates
Gangster who 'shared TikTok rap videos from prison' up for parole
