Wyevale-owned Sanders GardenWorld unveiled its plans for a proposed extension at an open evening for members of the public recently (March 25).


Sanders GardenWorld, bought by Wyevale Garden Centres in August 2007 and one of the chain's 'garden centres of excellence', invited customers, councillors and neighbours to a public viewing of its expansion plans.

Sanders GardenWorld's manager, Peter Burks said: "It is anticipated that work could start this autumn and be completed next summer. The main garden centre building currently covers approximately 28,000 sq ft and there is also around 103,000 square feet of outdoor sales area.

He went on to explain that in 2005, under the garden centre's previous ownership, planning consent was given for an increase of the indoor space to 58,500 sq ft and the external space to 150,000 sq ft.

Wyevale's new proposals are to increase the size of the covered building to 63,000 sq ft and to leave the remainder of the outdoor sales area in its existing state.

Wyevale's representatives have held a number of pre-planning submission meetings with Sedgemoor District Council recently and they anticipate making a revised application to the local authority later in the spring.

An element of the scheme will include a new roundabout to improve congestion and traffic flow along the A38. The proposal also means the number of car parking spaces looks set to increase from 369 spaces to 411.

In 2005, following a planning inquiry, Sanders GardenWorld was granted planning permission to build an extension to the site.

The Secretary of State agreed with the Inspector's conclusions, drawn from information collected at the public inquiry held in Burnham-on-Sea at the end of November 2004, that the proposal 'promotes economic activity'.

The Secretary of State also said in 2005 that he considered that the garden centre as it stands or as proposed is 'not likely to attract tourist trade in a manner harmful to local centres, in particular to Burnham-on-Sea' and agreed it 'would benefit economic activity through the provision of further jobs.'

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