Aldi, Iceland or B&M Bargains could open a new store in Fulwood if a new development is approved.

A 7,000 square metre swathe of land near Oliver’s Place in Sharoe Green would see a new discount retailer and gym created.

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More than 200 parking spaces would form part of the development which would sit opposite where the Lancashire Evening Post and Broughton Printers are located – with Eastway running alongside.

Planning officers have recommended the Eastway scheme, first tabled in June, for approval.

They state: “The proposed development does not comply with the relevant retail policies of the development plan however in such circumstances the retail tests of the Framework are a material consideration and have been applied. The applicant has demonstrated that the proposed development satisfies both retail tests.

“Furthermore a mitigation scheme has been agreed for the Olivers Place/Eastway roundabout to overcome concerns relating to congestion, particularly in the peak hour. The applicant acknowledges and supports the delivery of the cycle links between Eastway and Ingol and has agreed to provide a shared footway/cycleway along a section of the site frontage to enable access the new Toucan crossing that would be provided as part of the Eastway/Olivers Place
roundabout mitigation scheme. A Section 106 Agreement would secure travel plan support and prevent a retailer who currently operates a store in an in-centre location from closing that store to operate from Olivers Place, in order to ensure the retail impact upon existing centres is not significantly adverse.”

The Eastway development would include a number of retailers and a gym

They state a Section 106 agreement, where money gets put back into the community, still needs to be finalised – with £24,000 being asked for by the city council from the developers towards cycle lane improvements.

The scheme, tabled by agents Cassidy and Ashton, faces objections from Ingol ward councillor Neil Darby who says the proposal detracts from the Cottam Brickworks development.

Councillor Darby, who was one of a number of councillors and residents to object to the Eastway Hub supermarket plan, says the Oliver’s Place development would also threaten the future of the Brickworks redevelopment.

At November’s planning committee the Eastway Hub was rejected by councillors who said it affect the Cottam site and cause more congestion in the area.

The full officers report can be seen on the city council website.

Councillors meet on Monday at the Town Hall from 10am to discuss the Oliver’s Place plan.

What do you think of the Eastway plans? Let us know in the comments below