Expansion plans for retailer Next at Clifton Retail Park in Marton, Blackpool given the go ahead by planners

Blackpool Council’s Planning Committee unanimously approved an application by retailer Next in July last year to almost double the size of its store on Clifton Retail Park in Marton.

Now a revised application, containing minor changes to the original scheme, has also been approved, this time under delegated powers.

It is hoped the investment will enable Next to sell the company’s full Home range of furniture and other items including flooring and electrical goods for the first time.

The retailer, which also has a town centre store in the Houndshill Centre, had sought approval for minor amendments relating to relocating a glazed bay and door, minor alterations to roof, alterations to the mezzanine floor line and changes to the colour of bollards.

A planning report says: “These changes will not impact on the overall design, but are rather minor details changes.

“There will be no impact on the surrounding properties or the access or parking arrangements as a result of them and they are considered acceptable.”

When planning permission was first granted last year, the committee was told Next had been seeking to expand its presence on the Fylde coast for a number of years and extending the Clifton store was seen as the best opportunity.

Councillors were told the investment would be intended to complement the existing Houndshill store.

The current store is part of a row of retailers including Matalan and Clarkes on the Clifton Retail Park.