Discount store B&M coming to the High Peak?

Pictured is B&M could be coming to the High Peak, picture from the Chesterfield store.

Specific plans have now been submitted for a new B&M retail store on the site next to the River Goyt.

If approved by High Peak Borough Council, the 2,231 sq.m store would be selling discounted goods and food items.

A document submitted on behalf of the application states: “The access point to the site is believed to be sited in the best position to maximise the use of the site and to provide an entrance which is in context with the adjoining Tesco building and the possible future bridge to Bingswood Industrial Area.”

Earlier this year, applicant High Peak Developments served Tesco with legal papers as the developer claimed the supermarket was acting illegally by refusing to release a restrictive covenant on land.

Tesco first bought the land for the store in 1997 and insisted that a covenant was put in place that ensured the surrounding land could not be used for the sale of food, convenience goods or pharmacy products.

Back in 2010 the Competitive Commission stated covenants should be removed in concentrated local markets where there is very little consumer choice.

High Peak Developments entered into a conditional agreement with discount chain B&M Bargains last year to build a new shop on the land, provided the covenant was released.

Outline planning permission for three retail units was granted in 2013. If these new plans are given the green light, the new store would boost jobs and provide 146 new parking spaces.

The plans state: “During consultations with the target end-user it has been found that they would prefer a stand-alone unit facing the access road with parking at the front and the site layout has been based on this requirement.”

The siting of the buildings has been determined after numerous discussions with the planning department and is tempered by a flood study so that a river corridor habitat has been maintained. Landscaping would be provided mainly to the perimeter of the site with all existing trees retained subject to condition surveys. An area for refuse and deliveries would also be incorporated.