Shoprite has been given the go-ahead to extend its store in Peel.

The company has defended an appeal against planning permission to expand shop floor-space and improve customer parking.

A planning inspector dismissed claims the project would undermine the prospects of smaller traders based in Peel town centre, ruling that new housing developments justified the expansion.

Marian Kenny reports (text, below, from attached audio file):

Shoprite plans to extend its store in Derby Road by eleven metres on its north and eastern sides, re-positioning the entrance to face the road. That will more than double its floor space to almost 1,500 square metres.

Local residents had complained the proposals were in conflict with government policy to bring life and business back into the town centres.

But in his decision, the planning inspector said the extra retail space would not harm the vitality or viability of Peel town centre. Expansion on the current site would improve shopping provision, keep up with the growth in population and retain shoppers' interest within the town.

Objections about the appearance of the building and its effect on neighbouring properties were dismissed, but the inspector imposed conditions on landscaping, noise levels and delivery times.