Future of The Range in Torquay at risk

THE future of The Range store in Torquay is under threat after planners refused the bargain price giant permission to sell anything other than DIY and garden items.

The Range currently offers kitchens, glassware, pet food and office equipment among the selection of products on sale at its Babbacombe Road store.

Planning councillors turned down the retrospective application on the grounds not enough information had been provided to carry out an assessment of the impact The Range has on the town centre.

However, Mark Wood, representing The Range at the meeting, pointed towards the company's own analysis as a reason why the proposals should get the go ahead. He said: "Our own analysis has found the impact of the store on the town centre will only be about 0.3 per cent."

Devon-based billionaire boss Chris Dawson also played down the impact of the Torquay store.

He said: "The main competitors that we actually affect are the likes of B&Q, Dunelm Mill and Trago Mills, which are all out of town stores. It's also worth noting that, if we are able to also build a garden centre at the Torquay store, that will bring 15 extra specialist jobs."

Torbay Council's development management committee confirmed enforcement action will now be taken against The Range.

However, the retailer is expected to appeal.

Source: Torquay Herald Express
http://www.torquayheraldexpress.co.uk/Future-Range-store-threat/story-26187578-detail/story.html