Huge expansion plans for Crediton Garden Centre

THE story "Up to 80 jobs if Crediton Garden Centre plan is approved – Fears large site development could affect local businesses" appeared in the Courier on May 4, issue 1188.

The story explained that if plans for a huge expansion to Homeleigh Crediton Garden Centre are approved up to 80 jobs could be created.

The Broad family, who have run Homeleigh Garden Centre in Launceston for 40 years, have applied for permission to remodel and modernise Crediton Garden Centre.

The plans include demolition of existing structures and the erection of retail areas, a cafe and a warehouse. The internal floorspace would cover 3,335 square metres and the restaurant would cover 1,086 square metres.

There are plans for new vehicular access on the A377, providing parking for up to 214 cars, 10 motorcycle and five light goods vehicles. The plans also include a bus stop near the A377 access.

The details of the application (reference 17/02061/MFUL) can be found at: www.middevon.gov.uk where comments or representations can also be made.

Do you think the Homeleigh Crediton Garden Centre will be good for the town or do you think it will be harmful to local shops and businesses?

Please let me know your thoughts.

You can Contact me at 102 High Street, Crediton or email: [email protected] .What you told us...We agree with the comments in an anonymous objection letter we received - that the High Street will become quieter. People will have a coffee and buy what they need at the Garden Centre. There will be no need to shop in Crediton where the parking is much more difficult.Crediton Business OwnerI know someone who works at Bow Garden Centre and he was saying that it's not just the garden side of the trade that will be affected. A lot of people will buy their pet products there and use the cafe. The impact on local businesses will be massive. I'm also concerned about the planned new entrance on the A377 it could be dangerous as the traffic is much faster there. The extra traffic will also cause more pollution in the town.Crediton ResidentI think it's a good idea. It's far away enough from Bow Garden Centre and from the High Street to not have an impact. My only issue is the new access - traffic goes much faster past Drewsmoor.New Buildings ResidentI think it's awful and will affect everybody. To my mind it's greedy. We don't want anymore traffic. It will make the pollution much worse and crossing Exeter Road will be even worse with all the extra traffic.Joan Farley, CreditonThere are also a number of responses on the Crediton Courier Facebook page.