A new convenience store could soon be coming to Bingham, Nottinghamshire, as part of a proposed development on land to the west of Chapel Lane and south of Dunsmore Avenue.
The planning application, submitted by Lincolnshire Co-op, seeks full planning permission for the construction of a 195m² convenience store, along with associated parking and landscaping.
Lincolnshire Co-op is not the Co-op as you may think of it – it’s one of the most successful independent consumer co‑operatives in the UK, it offers a wide range of services from a family of businesses.
It is owned by its 300,000 members, the people of Lincolnshire and surrounding counties, and has operated for more than 160 years.
The proposed development, designed by SGA Architects, would include a 98m² back-of-house area for storage, staff facilities, and office space.
The site layout features 22 car parking spaces, including two accessible spaces and three electric vehicle (EV) charging points, as well as a loading area and secure service yard. Pedestrian access would be provided from both Chapel Lane and Dunsmore Avenue, with vehicle access via a priority junction onto Dunsmore Avenue.
The store, which would operate from 7:00 am to 10:00 pm daily, is expected to create approximately 13 jobs, including one full-time and 12 part-time positions.
The design of the building includes a contemporary sloping mono-pitch roof, glazed entrance, and solar panels on the south-facing side of the roof. External materials would consist of horizontal timber cladding and dark grey render, with dark grey aluminium edge capping for the roof.
The site, which is currently vacant, forms part of the strategic allocation for the Land North of Bingham, as outlined in Policy 21 of the Rushcliffe Local Plan Part 1 (LPP1). The area has seen significant residential growth in recent years, with over 1,000 new homes approved as part of the wider development. The proposed convenience store is intended to serve the growing population in the area, providing a local retail facility that reduces the need for residents to travel further afield for everyday shopping needs.
In terms of planning policy, the development aligns with the LPP1 and LPP2, which support the provision of new retail facilities in sustainable communities. The site is located within Flood Zone 1, meaning it is not at risk of flooding, and a drainage strategy has been prepared to manage surface water runoff.
The planning statement, prepared by Asplury Planning Ltd, argues that the development would have a positive impact on the local area, providing a much-needed community facility while enhancing the character of the street scene. The design has been carefully considered to reflect the local context, with materials and features that complement the surrounding development, including the nearby Bingham Primary School.
The application is supported by a range of technical documents, including a Transport Statement, Servicing Management Plan, and Biodiversity Net Gain Report. The Transport Statement concludes that the development would not have an adverse impact on highway safety, while the Servicing Management Plan outlines measures to minimise disruption to neighbouring properties during deliveries.
In terms of biodiversity, the site is currently classified as modified grassland, and the proposed development would result in a net loss of habitat units. However, the applicant has committed to achieving the required 10% biodiversity net gain through off-site measures, in line with the Environment Act 2021.
The planning statement concludes that the development accords with the relevant provisions of the Development Plan and the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF), and recommends that the application be approved subject to appropriate planning conditions.
Local residents and stakeholders have the opportunity to comment on the application as part of the public consultation process. If approved, the new convenience store would provide a valuable addition to the local community, offering a convenient shopping option for residents in the north of Bingham.
For further information, the full planning application can be viewed on the Rushcliffe Borough Council planning portal, reference number 25/00011/FUL.
