Plans to transform derelict tyre depot

T C Harrision Group Ltd, which owns the former Hi Q tyre depot on Firs Parade in Matlock, has applied to Derbyshire Dales District Council to change the use of the site to a retail unit.

The firm already has a potential tenant lined up for the site - The Original Factory Shop - which sells a variety of goods including clothing, footwear, cosmetics, electrical goods, housewares, furniture and toys. Peter Forster, the agent acting on behalf of T C Harrison Group, said: “It will be a wonderful opportunity.”

He added that businesses on the street had been suffering as a result of low footfall, and thought the addition of another store could boost trade for everyone.

The premises, which measures 0.15 hectares, has been empty for six years.

If plans are approved The Original Factory Shop would hope to open in October this year.

A few years ago the national chain showed interest in taking up the former Madison’s site in Bakewell Road, Matlock, where McDonald’s is currently interested building a restaurant.

However the planning application was turned down by Derbyshire Dales District Council’s planning committee.

There has been a mixed reaction to the proposal among townspeople.

Commenting on Facebook, Anthony Fieldgate said: “Be better than yet another charity shop.”

Susan Overton added: “Anything is better than empty units, plus the factory shop we used to have did well.”

Jonathan Riley commented: “So another cheap low end shop to further drag the town down.

“M n S Simply Food would amazing in that space.”

Mick Neale said: “Do we really need a shop that sells things like the other ‘low end’ retailer Woolworths used to provide... the answer is a big fat YES!”

Trudie Wild added: “We need a decent clothes shop for kids and teenagers always have to go out of town for them.”

Nicola Laing commented: “Brilliant idea.”

To view the application, search for reference ‘14/00314/FUL’ on the planning section of the district council’s website www.derbyshiredales.gov.uk.

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