Image supplied by Saunders Partnership

The development will see the demolition of the existing 2,960m² Tesco store and six small retail units, and the erection of a 7,371m² store on stilts. In addition, there will be eleven smaller retail units to serve the eastern side of Cardiff. A replacement crèche is also to be provided. Cardiff Council’s Planning Committee resolved to grant consent in February 2009, subject to a Section 106 Agreement which is currently being finalised.

The proposal was the subject of extensive consultation with the local community, planning officers, elected representatives, St Mellons Forum and South Wales Police. Consultation culminated in a two day long public exhibition in April 2008. Overwhelming support was expressed by those who attended, with a significant number of written response received expressing support for the proposal.

Services Provided
DPP provided full planning support from project inception through to obtaining the necessary planning consents. This entailed providing advice on strategy, project management of the planning process and the submission and promotion of the planning application. Our involvement also included extensive consultation with agencies, regulators and stakeholders at all levels with active participation in local community engagement activities.

Achievements
The planning application, submitted in June 2008, sought consent for what will be one of the largest Tesco stores in Wales. The development will secure and strengthen the district centre role, in addition to providing a further 300 full and part time jobs. Tesco are committed to entering into a Local Employment Partnership with Jobcentre Plus, Remploy and the St Mellons Enterprise Centre, to ensure that a significant proportion of staff are recruited locally, with associated benefits for the local economy.