Latest Telford Shopping Centre expansion plans look set for approval
Plans to expand Telford Shopping Centre – which include the building of a new bus station in the town – look set to get the green light.
The latest phase of the redevelopment will go before members of the council's planning committee next week, with officers recommending approval.
It would see the current bus station demolished and a new one built in its place.
The extension to the shopping centre would house a number of new retail and food outlets.
A report submitted with the application says: "This is a hybrid application seeking permission for the erection of a replacement bus station, demolition of the existing town centre bus station, and erection of a two storey extension to the existing shopping centre.
"The development is to be carried out in two phases.
"The first phase will involve the erection of the replacement bus station together with associated temporary access works and the provision of the taxi rank within Brown Elm car park.
"Works will also be phased to allow the bus station to remain fully operational whilst construction works are ongoing.
"The new bus station concourse will be accessed via a temporary link until the shopping centre extension and internal reconfiguration have been carried out.
"The second phase of the development will involve the provision of a 7,100 sq m extension to the shopping centre.
"The works form part of the next stage of the Telford Town Centre redevelopment masterplan."
No objections have been received to the plans.
Lawley & Overdale Parish Council said it was important that the new bus station was covered to make it weather proof.
Recommending approval, the report says: "The proposed development represents a positive and sustainable form of development.
"It will assist with the council's aim to continue to promote Telford town centre as a retail centre and a destination for retail and leisure development, particularly as part of an evening and night-time economy.
"The proposal helps to achieve this through the provision of redeveloped, modernised bus station facility, and an enlarged shopping centre with improved retail offer."
A final decision will be made by Telford & Wrekin Council's licensing committee on Wednesday from 6pm at the Whitehouse Hotel in Wellington. Members of the public are welcome to attend.
