A partly-retrospective application to upgrade a garden centre on the main road to Pembroke Dock has been submitted to Pembrokeshire planners.
In the application, submitted through agent Hayston Developments & Planning Ltd, Mr and Mrs Wainwright seek permission for upgrade of a garden centre with a relocated garden centre sales area, additional parking and the creation of ornamental pond and wildlife enhancement area (partly in retrospect) at Cosheston Garden Centre, Slade Cross, Cosheston.
The application is a resubmission of a previously refused scheme, with the retrospective aspects of the works starting in late 2023.
The site has a long planning history and started life as a market garden and turkey farm in the 1980s and then a number of applications for new development.
A supporting statement says the previously-refused application included setting aside a significant part of the proposed new building for general retail sales as a linked farm shop and local food store/deli in addition to a coffee bar.
It was refused on the grounds of “the proposal was deemed to be contrary to retail policies and the likely impact of that use on the vitality and viability of nearby centres,” the statement says, adding: “Secondly, in noting that vehicular access was off the A 477 (T) the Welsh Government raised an objection on the grounds that insufficient transport information had been submitted in respect of traffic generation and highway safety.”
It says the new scheme seeks to address those issues; the development largely the same with the proposed new garden centre building is now only proposed to accommodate a relocated garden centre display sales area rather than a new retail sales area with other goods, but retaining a small ancillary coffee bar area.
“Additional information, in the form of an independent and comprehensive Transport Statement, has now been submitted to address the objection raised by the Welsh Government in respect of highway safety,” the statement says.
It concedes: “It is acknowledged that both the creation of the ornamental pond and ‘overspill’ parking area do not have the benefit of planning permission and therefore these aspects of the application are ‘in retrospect’ and seek their retention.”
It finishes: “Essentially, this proposal seeks to upgrade existing facilities and offer them to the general public. It includes the ‘relocation’ of a previously existing retail display area which had been ‘lost’ to the ornamental pond/amenity area and to provide this use within the proposed new building and moves away from the previously proposed ‘farm shop’ idea which we thought had merit. This revised proposal therefore involves an ‘upgrading’ rather than an ‘expansion’ of the existing Garden Centre use.”
The proposals will be considered by county planners at a later date.
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I love seeing development projects that focus on enhancing local spaces like this. An upgraded garden centre could really serve as a hub for both local gardeners and families. It would be interesting to know if there are any plans to incorporate green or eco-friendly features.
It would be great to see some eco-friendly features included in the garden centre’s upgrade,like sustainable plants or energy-efficient systems. It’s a perfect opportunity to promote greener practices while improving the community space.
It’s great to see these kinds of developments happening in the community! This project could serve as a model for revitalizing other small businesses in the region.
I’m curious about how this garden centre upgrade will affect local employment. Will there be new job opportunities or even training for young people in the area? It’d be great to see a project that brings both commerce and community together.
It’s exciting to see how this garden centre upgrade could breathe new life into the local community. Not only could it boost tourism,but it could also provide local residents with a better shopping experience. It’ll be interesting to see how this affects surrounding businesses too!
Upgrading the garden centre could be a real boost for the area,especially if it creates jobs and encourages more people to buy local plants and produce. It’s always encouraging to see local businesses evolving in ways that support both the economy and community life.
I’m really curious to see if this project will integrate sustainability features. A lot of garden centres are adopting more eco-friendly practices,so this could be a great chance to promote green gardening solutions in the area.