Plans have been put forward for Church Gresley, a small local community in South Derbyshire to receive a new shopping village.LSP Developments hopes South Derbyshire District Council will approve the new commercial property plans, as at the moment people of Church Gresley have a long way to travel for their nearest shop.
LSP Developments believes the shopping village will be called ‘The Castleton Park Neighbourhood Centre’. The plans for the new commercial property include a local Sainsbury’s supermarket, a restaurant and a fast food takeaway outlet. The commercial property would measure 2000 sq metres, with 650 sq metres for retail units. There would also be room for 19 parking spaces. The new development will also create nine full-time positions and approximately 22 part-time jobs.
Gordon Rhind, who represents Church Gresley on behalf of the council expressed, “I think it’s a very good thing for Church Gresley because at the moment people living on that estate have a long walk to get to the nearest shops. Talking to people who live there it’s something they tell me they’ve wanted ever since they’ve been there.”
“There’s lots of young mothers in that area and this will give them a place they can meet their neighbours and will hopefully help to develop more of a feeling of community.” Gordon added.
Church Gresley is located between Swadlincote and Castle Gresley and has a population of around 5000 people.
Architects, West Hart Partnership have inspected the site for the new commercial property and have stated, “The site as a whole presents a unique opportunity for a contemporary neighbourhood centre.” They went onto say, “It is envisaged that the retail element will strengthen the overall community usage and reinforce the strong identity and structure, which again is enhanced by the adjoining medical development.”
The public are welcome to view and comment on the plans for the new commercial property up until 13 October. The council will then review all documentation and public comments, and hope to have made a decision as to whether the shopping village can go ahead or not by 15 November 2011.