North Yorkshire-based entrepreneur and business owner, Simon Bailes, has submitted an application for outline planning permission for a scheme that will create new jobs and substantially improve one of the main gateways into Northallerton.
The application involves developing six units on a long time derelict three-acre (1.2-hectare) site that borders Darlington Road and Thurston Road, adjacent to the County Business Park.
It would involve the construction of two drive-thru restaurants or coffee shops, two new trade counter retail warehouse units and the conversion of a vacant warehouse to create a further two units for mixed use employment – including trade counter retail, storage, and industrial use.
The company – which also operates the Simon Bailes Peugeot dealership in the town – hopes the development could create up to 100 new full and part-time jobs and contribute to the sustainable development of the local economy.
The undeveloped and derelict site was incorporated into the business park in the 1980s and commercial buildings situated on the southern section of the land were demolished by 2008, leaving an area largely characterised by hardstanding, scrubland, and poorly landscaped edges.
The outline planning permission submission, to Hambleton District Council, involves a high quality design incorporating two drive-thru restaurants/coffee shops of 378 sq. metres and 186 sq. m, plus two new trade counter retail units of 435 sq. m and 407 sq. m in size. Two further trade/ warehouse units – each of 707 sq. m – will be created by the refurbishment of an empty warehouse.
The application also includes provision for a total of 98 parking spaces together with landscaping and planting around each of the units.
Simon Bailes said: “Northallerton is a growing and vibrant market town in an important part of North Yorkshire. I am confident that investment in this site will generate opportunities for significant return, both in terms of value and enterprise. It will enhance the gross GVA of our town and provide a significant attraction for national brands to consider as a location.”
He added: “As we emerge from the coronavirus lockdown our local economy is in urgent need of a boost and a new development with is associated construction activity and longer-term employment benefits could be just the tonic. This three acre site has been derelict for many years, bringing it into productive use will enhance this important gateway to Northallerton and bring new facilities to the many businesses which are located there.”
