Planning precedent report

Internal modifications/reconfiguration to the mall area and reconfiguration of existing retail units and kiosks/concessions at Levels 1-3 of the existing shopping centre; revisions/modifications are as follows on a level by level basis; (1) Level 1, reconfiguration of the existing mall floor space and existing retail/kiosk units to provide a new kiosk zone (150sq.m); revisions to circulation areas involving the removal of stairs and escalator between Level 1 and Level 2 and provision of a new travellator between Level 1 and Level 2; (2) Level 2, reconfiguration of existing mall floor space and existing retail/kiosk units to provide a new kiosk zone (1073sq.m); revisions to circulation areas involving the removal of escalators between Level 2 and Level 3; (3) Level 3 formation of a new retail unit (38sq.m) and associated mall floor space (9sq.m) in the area created by the removal of the escalator between Levels 2 and 3; the kiosk zones on Level 1 and Level 2 will be flexible in terms of layout and all individual kiosks will be subject to design parameters set out in the Planning Report. The proposed use of any new kiosks within the kiosk zones will be shops (Class 1), professional/financial services (Class 2) and food and beverage uses (including any associated seating areas). There will be no net increase in floor area for the provision of food and beverage uses within the overall centre. The revisions/modifications proposed will result in an increase of c.106sq.m. of gross floor space within the overall shopping centre arising from the various changes to the mall circulation areas and creation of floor space in areas currently void. Permission is also sought for all associated site and development works.

The development will consist of internal reconfiguration and amalgamation of 4no. existing Level 2 retail units (U238, U239, U240 and U241) to provide two retail units (U238: 516sqm and U240: 1282sqm) and ancillary circulation and general store rooms (c.274sqm) resulting in no overall increase in gross floorspace. Permission is also sought for all associated site and development works and reuse of existing signage zones.

Revisions to previously permitted internal modifications as approved under Ref. SD18A/0399 resulting in the reductions in the kiosk zone at Level 2 only by 196sq.m (from 1073sq.m to 877sq.m) to accommodate a new partially enclosed restaurant/café unit (196sq.m) and associated setting; the new restaurant and seating area will correspond with the footprint of the existing Units 260/262 and 263 and will contain associated facilities including a kitchen, front and rear counters, condiment unit, dining tables, chairs, booths and benches; associated signage and development works.

Subdivision of the existing retail department store (Unit 116 - 5,396sq.m. - formerly Debenhams) to comprise 2 retail units - 116A (2,431sq.m) and 116B (2,270sq.m) and new service corridor (176sq.m) to the rear of the proposed unit 116B to provide access to the existing service yard; associated modifications including the removal of the existing mezzanine floor within Unit 116 (497sq.m); creation of new retail frontage within the internal mall and associated signage; revisions to existing retail Unit 117 (113sq.m) and 118 (102sq.m) to form a single amalgamated unit (169sq.m) and creation of additional mall floor space (47sq.m) arising from the unit reconfiguration; all associated site and development works including minor revisions to the layout of the existing service yard.

3 signs (1m metre high x 4.5 metres wide aluminium back panels with individual raised illuminated lettering) on the existing tower feature on the western elevation of The Square; 1 sign (1.2m meter high x 6.1 metres wide aluminium back panel with individual raised illuminated lettering) positioned externally on the southern elevation of The Square (south eastern corner).

The development consists of the change of use of the ground floor unit from retails use to cafe/patisserie shop including the sale of hot and cold beverages. The following works are proposed: (1) Internal configuring of unit including fit out of unit to facilitate development with provision of serving counter, store, W/C and seating area at ground floor level internally and externally (2) Alterations to ground floor level facade including new glazed door and window, new awning to shopfront, new signage and projecting signage to front facade. (3) All associated site works and ancillary works at this address in accordance with plans as submitted