Extension for Riverside B&M store

Coleraine could be in line for a number of jobs after retailer B and M Bargains were granted planning permission for an extension to their Riverside Regional Centre store.

During last Tuesdsay night’s Planning Committee at Coleraine Borough Council, the retailer was given the green light for the 1300 square metre extension.

There were two objection letters to the application, one objector pointing out that there were town centre units available.

However Planners granted the application.

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Senior Planning Officer Shane Matthews told members that retail experts at Planning Headquarters had looked at the application and that the ‘impact on the town centre’ would be less than ten percent.

Mr Matthews referred to a similar application at the Riverside Centre, by Home Bargains. It was not granted by Planners.

The Department ruled that there were suitable town centre sites available to the retailer.

“This application is different in that B and M Bargains have already been trading at the Riverside Centre for sometime, therefore they were not asked for alternative town centre sites,” explained Mr Matthews.

Members agreed to approve the application.

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DUP councillor Sam Cole congratulated the Planners on their decision.

“I want to compliment the planners on their decision,” he said.

“We need to be doing all we can to support businesses.”

The Coleraine Times contacted B and M Bargains, asking them to confirm the number of jobs the extension would create. However, at the time of going to print, no correspondence had been received.

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