Plans for a new food store in Consett will be considered by councillors this week. Farmfoods hopes to build and open a new site at Ponds Court in partnership with local developer Project Genesis.
The site was historically part of the Consett Iron Works, which housed cooling ponds and sidings. The site remained in industrial use until approximately 1980, when it remained unused and vacant.
A feasibility study of the proposal concluded it would have a “very limited” impact on the town centre and that trade would mainly be drawn from the adjacent Morrisons and Tesco which are outside of the town centre.
The proposed store would be surrounded by Franks flooring shop and McDonald’s drive-through.
Recommended for approval
In recommending the proposal for approval, the council said it “will continue to assist with the regeneration of this part of Consett, providing additional services for residents and employment opportunities”.
A joint statement from Farmfoods and Project Genesis said they have “worked proactively with the council to bring forward this proposal for the development of a vacant site well located and accessible from Consett town centre and the wider settlement”.
It added: “The proposed food store will not harm the vitality and viability of Consett town centre as; [it] is a specialist retailer of frozen foods; their range of non-frozen food goods is limited by comparison to other food stores; the proposed development will bring new investment to Consett.”
A host of new local jobs will be created by the new store, Farmfoods said, while also improving shopping facilities in the area.
The statement added: “Farmfoods offer value for money at a time when the cost of living crisis is still being keenly felt, and the proposed development provides additional choice for the community.”
The proposal will be considered at a Durham County Council planning committee on Thursday.
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