Derwent’s Edge Lane scheme back at planning

DERWENT Holdings’ long-awaited Edge Lane retail scheme returns to Liverpool City Council’s planning committee today as city centre landlords complain of “continual tinkering” with the proposals, and fear direct competition.

The scheme was first approved in 2010 but since then there have been a series of amendments, some altering planning conditions while another trebled the size of the supermarket.

Now Isle of Man-based Derwent wants significant changes to the layout and scope of the park which it has previously said will help it meet occupier demand.

Meanwhile, Liverpool One landlord Grosvenor has complained that the, “original bulky goods caveats, that sought to ensure a point of difference [with city centre shopping], have been eroded”.

In a consultation it added: “If the council is minded to approve the application it is suggested that these controls are tightened up and for the applicants to justify on a robust case by case basis why these controls cannot be met.”

InfraRed, which owns the St John’s and Clayton Square shopping centres, said it was concerned about further clothing, fashion and ‘non-bulky’ goods and smaller units sizes, “as this will compete directly with retailers and trade within the city centre and could undermine other planned investment and the city centre’s vitality and viability.”

The changes involve moving the cinema and leisure facilities earmarked for Rathbone Park to the former Skelly’s showroom and using the land for retail.

The number and mix of the retail units, together with proposed range of goods to be sold, is also different to that previously approved with less units but a slight increase in net floor area. The layout, design and parking arrangements of the latest application for the main retail development are also different.

As previously, the former Robinson Willey site is to be laid out with an area of new open space together with some housing. However, the application proposal now also includes some industrial and starter units.

The changes were first mooted at a council cabinet meeting in August. The planning committee is expected to support Derwent’s plans.