Blackpool Next store expansion plans are given go ahead

The scheme will see the store on Clifton Retail Park in Marton almost double in size enabling it to sell the company's full Home range of furniture and other items including flooring and electrical goods for the first time.

Blackpool Council's head of development management Susan Parker told a meeting of the planning committee: "The store is in an out-of-town location so our concern is the impact on the health of the town centre.

"Officers accept there are no alternative sites. While the council cannot force Next to keep its town centre store open, they usually do."

She added the design of the extension would create "a fresh and modern shop frontage with large areas of glazing."

Kevin Keigher, who addressed the committee on behalf of Next whose other store is in the Houndshill Shopping Centre, said: "We have been looking at various opportunities over the past five years both in Blackpool and neighbouring Fylde.

"We feel the best way to accommodate provision is an extension at Clifton Retail Park."

Mr Keigher said the extended store would be similar to Next outlets at the Trafford Centre and in Bolton.

He added: "We feel it will complement the town centre store and keep spending in Blackpool."

Members of the committee voted unanimously in favour of the two storey extension on vacant land to the west of the existing store.