Consett, County Durham – In a significant development for the town of Consett, Farmfoods is set to open a new supermarket on the previously vacant land at Ponds Court, a move that was met with unanimous approval from Durham County Council’s planning committee on Thursday (November 28th).
The decision marks a positive step towards regenerating the area and boosting the local economy.
New Development in Historical Site
The new Farmfoods store will be built in partnership with local developer Project Genesis on a site steeped in history. Once part of the Consett Iron Works, the area featured cooling ponds and sidings and was in industrial use until around 1980. Since then, it has remained unused, leaving a gap in the local landscape that is now set to be revitalized.
Local Support and Economic Impact
Local officials have expressed strong support for the project. Angela Sterling, county councillor for Delves Lane, highlighted the benefits of the new store, stating,
“Not only would this bring a lovely shopping amenity and jobs, but it would finish off that whole area rather nicely. It’s the only real bit that is still undeveloped.”
The feasibility study of the proposal concluded that the impact on the town center would be “very limited,” with trade expected to be drawn mainly from the existing Morrisons and Tesco stores outside the town center.
In 2017, plans for a 65-room hotel and function suite on the site were approved but construction never commenced, and the planning permission has since lapsed. The addition of Farmfoods is expected to fill this developmental void effectively.
Strategic Location and Store Details
Strategically located and easily accessible from Consett town center and surrounding areas, the new store will be accompanied by existing businesses such as a McDonald’s drive-through and Franks flooring shop. Councillor Alex Watson of Consett North commented on the development, saying,
“It can do nothing else but enhance the area. It will help with regeneration and boost footfall. It complies with all the policies, so I’m very happy with the development. It will boost the whole economy.”
Commitment to Local Growth
A joint statement from Farmfoods and Project Genesis mentioned their proactive work with the council to advance this development. They reassured that the
“proposed food store will not harm the vitality and viability of Consett town center 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.”
The planning committee’s unanimous approval of the planning application is a testament to the broad support for the project, which promises to bring new life and economic opportunities to the region.
Conclusion
As Consett looks forward to the opening of the new Farmfoods store, the community anticipates not only an increase in shopping options and job opportunities but also a significant boost in the area’s overall development and attractiveness. This project is a crucial step in continuing the positive momentum of growth and regeneration in Consett and its surroundings.
