Council to debate B&Q/Morrisons store split in Durham

Councillors will debate plans for a major new supermarket next week.

Morrisons wants to create a 6,000sq metre food store at Durham City Retail Park, in Dragonville, Durham City, creating 300 new jobs.

The supermarket would take over part of the existing B&Q store, which would be downsized to around 5,000sq metres.

However, none of the 115 workers at the DIY outlet are at risk of losing their job.

Durham County Council’s central and east area planning committee will debate the proposals on Tuesday (October 21) and planning officials are recommending approval.

B&Q say there are “numerous benefits” to the scheme and warn if planning permission were refused they would have to “review all other options for the store”.

There have been no objections to the changes, which also include creating a shared 536-space car park.

Morrisons want to open their new store by Christmas 2015.

Tesco have long been dominant in the area, with their sprawling Extra store employing hundreds of local people and attracting the bulk of the food shopping market.

But Asda also want to move into the area, building a new supermarket opposite Tesco across Dragon Lane.

The council committee will meet at County Hall, Durham, at 1pm on Tuesday.

Source: Mark Tallentire - The Durham Times.

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