ROGUE retailers, masquerading as trade counters or showrooms, are posing a real threat to the future of Warrington town centre, according to a report to planning chiefs.
A sharp increase has been noted in the number of enquiries and actual planning application for factory sales outlets, trade counters, etc, which appear to be attempts to get round the planning regulations.
In view of the number of vacant retail premises in the town centre, caused by the expansion of the Golden Square shopping centre and the economic climate, firm action is needed to control or limit the number of out-of-centre retail developments, say the planners.
They are seeking authority to take enforcement action against operations which do not comply with policy.
The majority of factory sales/trade counter operations across the borough operate within their planning consent.
But there is an increasing trend towards trying to get around planning restrictions in “grey areas.”
The report highlights the Gateway 49 Trade Park on Kerfoot Street, Warrington as a “particular problem.”
Many units exceed the permitted floorspace for sales, some goods are being sold in breach of planning conditions and the nature and number of units mean it is now effectively a trade/retail destination.
It is frequently referred to as a successful development which should be replicated elsewhere in the borough – despite having some vacant units.
Other developments where the council has issues include Hawley Lane, the Calver Road/Cameron Court/Coleville Court area and the Priestley Business Centre.
Failure to take action against firms in breach of regulations will have implications for the future, says the report.
“The potential establishment of retail uses in out-of-centre locations which are ‘hidden’ under a trade counter/showroom banner pose a real threat to Warrington town centre,” the report adds. “It could set a precedent for this type of use which will make it increasingly difficult to resist similar future applications in the borough, as well as applications to relax conditions on existing warehouse/industrial uses.”
ROGUE retailers, masquerading as trade counters or showrooms, are posing
a real threat to the future of Warrington town centre, according to a
report to planning chiefs.
Rogue retailers threaten town centre
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Gary Skentelbery
Experienced journalist for more than 40 years. Managing Director of magazine publishing group with three in-house titles and on-line daily newspaper for Warrington. Experienced writer, photographer, PR consultant and media expert having written for local, regional and national newspapers. Specialties: PR, media, social networking, photographer, networking, advertising, sales, media crisis management. Chair of Warrington Healthwatch Director Warrington Chamber of Commerce Patron Tim Parry Johnathan Ball Foundation for Peace. Trustee Warrington Disability Partnership. Former Chairman of Warrington Town FC.
7 Comments
Rogue Traders ????? To me a ‘rogue trader’ is someone who is ripping their customers off through bad workmanship or selling substandard goods. Not really fair to name the business park areas and use the word ‘Rogue’ as that implies that the traders there fall into the ‘bad’ category. I presume they are all paying their business rates (although obvioulsy not the higher amount for retail/floorspace…..) BUT MAYBE that is because business rates, rents and other overheads in the town centre are so high that most people CAN’T afford them so look elsewhere to try and make their business ‘work’…. who can blame them. Not everything has to revolve around the golden square and town centre and I for one would welcome some more out of town retail developments.
I deliberately used the phrase “rogue retailer” to try and avoid confusion with a “rogue trader” but it would appear my efforts were in vain
And some fell on stony ground!!!
Most of these businesses are not really the kind which could be successful in a town centre anyway.The kinds of businesses trading at Gateway or Calver Court often sell bulky or heavy items so in order to trade successfully they need their premises to have decent delivery bays for goods in and free, onsite parking for their customers – not something you’ll find in the town centre. Plus, if they were forced into paying town centre rents they wouldn’t be able to offer reasonable prices to their customers, so those customers would just go to outlets in other towns for the items they want.
Indeed you did DS although my brain obviosuly read the 1st, 2nd and 5th word and came up with ‘Rogue Trader’…… so what’s the difference between a retailer and a trader then for future reference 🙂
Dizzy
There isn’t a lot of difference between a trader and a retailer, except that all retailers are traders but not all traders are retailers! I tried to differentiate because the phrase “rogue trader” is usually associated with dodgy dealers while the phrase “rogue retailer” is not in common use at all. In this context, the retailers are “rogues” not because they are cheating customers but because they are trying to get round planning regulations which, while we may not agree with them, are law.
Having re-read after your explanation I can fully appreciate what you were actually saying David… however I still read it the other way and so has my better half. I guess if your phone hasn’t been ringing this afternoon with irate ‘retailers ‘ after you then it’s obviously just us that have a problem reading and comprehending 🙂 I’m sorry if I offended you but thanks for correcting me so politely and explaining. ( Gary are you READING !!! ha ha 🙂 🙂 )