Northumberland Estates’ plans for £13m garden centre in Alnwick poised for green light

Plans to build the ‘premier garden centre in the North East’ on the outskirts of Alnwick are poised to get the green light.

Northumberland Estates intends to create the garden centre, which will be occupied by Blue Diamond, on greenfield property in Cawledge, east of the A1.

The £13 million initiative was recommended for approval by Northumberland County Council’s strategic planning committee on Tuesday.
The recommendation is contingent on a cash contribution of £111,000 for highway improvements at the A1068/C93 Shilbottle Road junction.

 

Alnwick Town Council has expressed support for the proposed development in terms of job creation and economic development, although it is concerned about its impact on the town centre, access, and lighting.

A report to councillors says that Alnwick town centre ‘is typified by smaller stores, individual retailers, service uses and outlets aimed towards tourists’. He adds, “It is unlikely that the proposal would have a significant negative impact on the center.”

It also argues that the loss of allotted employment land is a significant disadvantage to the proposals, but that the development of the property by a prominent garden centre brand, which will provide jobs and an economic benefit, should not be overlooked.
Finally, planners state that the positives appear to outweigh the downsides in policy terms, and that the proposed development’s principle appears to be appropriate.

The proposed store will generate approximately 120 new full and part-time jobs and include indoor and outdoor plant areas, as well as leisure, home items, outdoor furniture, and a restaurant.

Blue Diamond, one of the UK’s leading garden centre chains, is in talks with several retailers about acquiring a concession unit.

The proposed location, located between the Hog’s Head Inn and Greensfield Moor Farmhouse, has a total internal floor area of 7,800 sq. m, plus an extra 3,700 sq. m external plant sales area.

Colin Barnes, Northumberland Estates’ director of planning and development, has stated: “Our goal is to establish the premier garden centre in the North East right here in Alnwick, and our plans reflect that ambition.”