HOME Bargains has been given the go-ahead to open a store in The Peel Centre, Bracknell.
A planning application was lodged to Bracknell Forest Council for the popular retailer to move into the vacant store Next used to occupy at The Peel Centre.
The applicants have been given the green-light to convert part of Unit 4a into space exclusively for the sale of food.
Documents attached to the application indicate Home Bargains want to use 30 per cent of the floor space at the 1,862 square metre site for this purpose.
Not everyone was a fan of the proposals, however, as the Bracknell Regeneration Partnership -- the group that delivered The Lexicon and the refurbishment of Princess Square questioned why the food element of the Home Bargains store could not be split up and located elsewhere.
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An objection letter sent on behalf of the BRP suggested this part of the store could be accommodated at the former Argos unit in the town centre.
Last month, Home Bargains responded to the objection and said the food element of their store cannot be separated from the retail element, as it is an “integral” part of the brand’s offer.
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The last planning application, which has been given approval, says the provision of food retailing on the site 'shall be limited to a maximum floor area of 46,000 sq ft.'
Bracknell Forest Council said the reason for this is "in the interests of maintaining the viability and vitality of the existing floor space within the existing shopping sites within the Town Centre."
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