New Wickes and TP outlets planned for Welwyn

Plans being put forward for the former Argos site in Bessemer Road would see six new buildings go up, including Wickes and Travis Perkins outlets.

It has been vacant since 2010, and the buildings were knocked down two years later.

Backers say the bid, which will be followed by a planning application at a later date, will create around 80 jobs.

A document submitted to Welwyn Hatfield Council states: “The proposals form part of a group strategy to consolidate brands onto single sites to create a ‘one stop shop’ for local tradesmen and builders.

“The intended occupiers so far are Wickes, Travis Perkins, BMX and CPS, with two other units available.”

The report, by Quod associate Karen Muldowney, on behalf of landowners IPIF, said the site covers just over half of the former Argos land.

Ms Muldowney wrote: “There is likely to be increased noise during the construction works, including noise resulting from construction vehicles, however the nearest residential properties are located 270m from the site, therefore significant noise effects on these receptors are not anticipated.”

And the report added: “Importantly, the proposed development is located in a predominately industrial area.

“It is of a similar nature/scale to the former Argos Depot, as well as the two recently permitted developments on the adjacent sites.”

Officials have previously given permission for a vehicle accident and repairs building, and a manufacturing, research and development facility on the eastern part of the site.

Source: Welwyn Hatfield Times.

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