B&Q demolition plan to be considered next week

Controversial plans to demolish Stratford’s B&Q store at the Maybird Shopping Centre are set to be considered by Stratford District Council next week, with planning officers recommending the application be approved.

The application the Capital Hill Partnership is hoping to redevelop the B&Q store into three new retail units, which it says is needed to bring that end of the retail park up to the same standard as the other units.

B&Q are fiercely against the plan, and in an objection to the application, detailed how such a move could lead to the loss of 49 jobs.

The firm questioned whether additional fashion retailers (who it presumes would occupy the new units) were needed in the area.

B&Q also stated that it would be unlikely to find another centrally located premises which may lead the company to relocate its store to a neighbouring catchment.

Social media users were largely against the idea when the Herald reported on the plans back in May, with many unhappy at the potential loss of B&Q following the closure of Homebase in 2014.

A decision on the application is expected to be made on 7 September.