By Saul Cooke-Black

PLANS have been submitted to transform disused industrial land in Ryeford into a retail park.

Developer Property Alliance Group has submitted a planning application to build a mixed-use retail park in Brunsdon’s Yard, off the A419 bypass at Ryeford.

The proposal includes five retail units and a coffee shop.

One of the units will be used for a food store but this will be 'much smaller' than the supermarket originally proposed, developers say. 

Property Alliance Group said its plans had been shaped from feedback received at public consultation events in Stonehouse and King’s Stanley.

John Clarke, from the company, said: “We are pleased at the positive response from consultation events about the future of the site at Brunsdon’s Yard.

“We have spoken to many people over the past few months keen to express what types of shops they would like to see, with many focusing on mixed-use retail such as clothing.

“We would like to thank them for their ideas and suggestions which we have now incorporated into plans.”

The same developer had plans to turn the site into a supermarket rejected in April, but they say this proposal would be more beneficial to the town.

However, district councillor Mattie Ross (Labour, Stonehouse) said she was concerned the new proposal could damage the High Street.

She said: “I have mixed feelings about it. I understand that people need places to go to shop but we have a thriving High Street and I would be really sad to see that compromised in any way.

“I don’t think we need any more cafés.

“We have a fabulous choice of cafés in Stonehouse which are always busy.

“I think the developers need to talk with traders about it.”

District councillor Chris Brine (Labour, Stonehouse) said that he was not against the proposal, but did have concerns that flooding could be an issue.

He added: “I would like to see something more imaginative and innovative than a block retail park.

“It also needs to enhance the High Street.

“Stonehouse needs some more shops and a non-food retail park could be good for the town.

“I have some reservations but if it can complement the High Street it could enhance the town.”

One local resident told the SNJ: “Brunsdon’s Yard is currently an eyesore and has been for many years.

“It attracts vandalism and fly-tipping and needs cleaning up.

“The shops people want are a chemist and somewhere for clothes and shoes.

“This is wasted space that can be put to good use to benefit both locals and visitors.

“A small retail park can complement the area.”

Brunsdon’s Yard was one of three sites which were the subject of planning applications for supermarkets in April.

Councillors at SDC voted to pass the application for a supermarket at Dudbridge Road with a margin of one vote, but rejected proposals for a supermarket at Ryeford and Bath Road.

SDC’s planning committee will now consult stakeholders and hear views from local residents, and members are expected to make a decision on the application in the new year.