Cambourne supermarket to appeal expansion plan refusal

SUPERMARKET chain Morrisons will find out next month if it is allowed to expand its Cambourne store after appealing against a decision to refuse the scheme. In 2007 the company applied to South Cambridgeshire District Council to extend the 2993sqm store i

SUPERMARKET chain Morrisons will find out next month if it is allowed to expand its Cambourne store after appealing against a decision to refuse the scheme.

In 2007 the company applied to South Cambridgeshire District Council to extend the 2993sqm store in Broad Street by 611sq m. It also applied to alter the store's car parking, reducing the number of spaces from 526 to 487.

The planning documents state that the expansion is needed to cater for the supermarket's growing customer base.

The documents state: "The existing store is very popular; this extension would relieve pressure on the existing floor space and widen the store in terms of its facilities which are available to the public."

However, SCDC planners refused the application stating it was 'unacceptable' because of the loss of up to 124 parking spaces.

It added that reduced parking could also reduce "investor confidence" in the development of Cambourne.

The planning appeal is due to be heard at South Cambridgeshire District Council offices in Cambourne on June 2.