AN Ivybridge shopkeeper is urging local people and businesses to oppose a fresh attempt by Endsleigh owners Wyevale to create an ‘out of town shopping centre’.

Pat White, who runs Footnote shoe shop in Glanville’s Mill, says that if given the go ahead the plans would ‘kill’ the traditional retail heart of the town.

An application to more than double the space dedicated to non-garden-centre products was refused by South Hams Council in July, with planning committee members saying the proposal ‘would harm the vitality of Ivybridge Town Centre’.

But Wyevale has now lodged an appeal against the decision.

Pat explained: ‘When Endsleigh was originally given permission in 2,000 conditions were put on, to restrict the sale of certain things.

‘What they’re asking now is to take that restriction off. They’re basically looking to double the space. The other thing is that they want to sublet areas to franchises.

‘This doesn’t benefit the town centre. Competition is competition, and if another small independent shop opens they’re up against it, just the same as you.

‘But when its a huge multinational, you can’t compete. If I put the price of my shoes down by five pounds, they can do it by ten.

‘It was never envisaged to be an out of town shopping centre. What they say is they want to stop people going into Plymouth, but it will have an adverse effect on the town.’

Pat addressed the July development committee as an objector, explaining how the plans would affect the town centre. She continued: ‘What I said was, as it is now we rub along together. They have pushed the boundaries a lot with what they can and can’t sell, they’ve got a Cotton Traders, and a little shoe place. That’s enough.

‘You’ve only got to go to Plymouth and look – Drake’s Circus has absolutely killed the bottom of the town.’

But Wyevale hit back, saying Endsleigh was simply expanding its existing range of products. The company added, the district council’s planning officer had recommended permission be granted.

The officer, however, also expressed his worry over the effect on the town centre. In his report to the committee, he wrote: ‘I am concerned that the scale of the proposed increase of ‘Clothes and footwear associated with a garden centre’ is excessive, and would . . . sterilise any potential for a town centre offer of comparable goods.’

A spokesperson said: ‘Endsleigh Wyevale Garden Centre is not just a place to shop for the garden, but a welcoming space to enjoy a meal, a cup of coffee, or to bring the family.  As part of our ongoing investment in our garden centres, we are in the process of applying for approval to expand the available space within the branch..’

The application has been opposed by Ivybridge Town Council, MP Gary Streeter, and the owners of Glanville’s Mill shopping centre, London & Cambridge Properties.

Representations must be received by Wednesday, October 21, and can be made by visiting www.planningportal.gov.uk/pcs, emailing [email protected], or sending three copies to: Planning Inspectorate, Room 3/20, Temple Quay House, 2 The Square, Temple Quay, Bristol, BS1 6PN. The appeal reference is APP/ K1128/W/15/3133435.