Modernisation is at forefront of potential Ventura Park redevelopment

ANOTHER planning application has been lodged to refurbish an empty Ventura Park retail unit.

The Allied Carpets store, on Ventura Park Road, closed its doors in July 2009. Since then applications to transform it have been refused.

Speculation is now growing over a planned operator for the store.

The new application, which has been lodged by Aucott Developers Ltd, seeks consent over the insertion of a new shop front to the building, which is proposed to keep as an A1 general retail unit.

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A design and access statement for the proposal reads: "These improvements will modernise this building and compliment the stores in the vicinity.

"This in turn will bring the site back into use and createjobs."

Plans also state that the proposed development is for "cosmetic purposes to enhance the facade of the unit."

Proposals show that the 5,950 square-foot unit will not increase in floor space, although re-cladding and improvements to the building's roof is included among the plans. Site plans also show vehicle access to the building from Ventura Park Road.

A previous application, also lodged by Aucott, was refused at a planning meeting in March.

In this application, plans had been submitted to Tamworth Borough Council to convert the unit into three different stores.

It was also estimated that this development, which would be bigger than the current unit and would come with up to 44 car parking spaces, could create up to 75 jobs.

It was later revealed that Nando's, Starbucks and Pizza Express had shown interest in locating into the proposed units.

But councillor's argued that the development would have a significant impact on the town centre, and would also encourage on road parking and congestion issues.

The latest application can be viewed on the council's website, under application number 0201/2012.

Comments can be made until July 9. The Herald contacted Aucott to establish if an operator had been planned for the store, but the company were unavailable for comment.