Plans put in for discount food store in Rasen

Last November, residents and businesses were invited to comment on proposals for the new retail development in Gallamore Lane.

More than 4,000 people engaged through the website and on social media and property developer Morbaine has since taken account of more than 380 feedback questionnaires.

This included ‘flipping’ the site, shifting the position of the proposed store from the eastern side of the plot to the western side, so it is further from neighbouring properties.

Keith Nutter, Director at Morbaine, said: “The response to these plans has been incredibly positive.

“The website which detailed our proposals received more than 2,700 visits and we received 380 feedback questionnaires.”

“This development, which is just a 15-minute walk from the centre of Market Rasen, will increase the available shopping options within the town.”

The “community food store” tenant is not revealed in the documents.

However, Morbaine has worked with a number of businesses including Aldi, Sainsbury’s, Asda, Tesco and Morrisons.

The application form to the authority estimates around 40 full-time equivalent positions will be created by the plans.

A total of 120 car parking spaces will be created, alongside cycle parking and paved and landscaped areas.

Mr Nutter said: “There is a distinct lack of food shopping choice for the residents of Market Rasen, with many travelling long distances to Louth, Gainsborough, Lincoln and Grimsby.

“Our proposal will provide a new facility on their doorstep, thereby retaining more spending power within the town itself.”

“We listened to people’s views following the consultation and have considered comments about planting and screening.

“We have also reduced the size of the overall development slightly to allow us to create a larger landscape buffer around the whole of the site.

“This will include substantial planting, especially to the eastern boundary adjacent to residential properties, as well as providing tree screening to the western and northern boundaries which will help to integrate the development into the natural landscape.”

The application submitted is for outline planning and access to the proposed development.

The Planning Application can be viewed in full on the West Lindsey Council website, using reference number 142302.

Comments can also be made online.

The final design of the buildings will be the subject of a further application, if outline permission is granted.

However, supporting documents for the current application say the design will take inspiration from the newly built Market Rasen Leisure Centre and traditional barn constructions.
New jobs, increased shopping choice and reduced car journeys were among the most popular reasons cited by locals for the development.

However, there were also questions raised over increased traffic on Gallamore Lane and the impact on ‘town’ trade.