Plans lodged to expand Co-op store into neighbouring chippy in Northumberland village

A planning application seeks permission to expand the Co-op store in Widdrington Station.

The proposal is to expand into the neighbouring fish and chip shop and build a single storey rear extension.

A report on the behalf of applicant, MK SIPP Trustees UK, states: ‘The proposed alterations will allow the amalgamation of the retail and takeaway units to form a single, larger retail unit.

‘The additional floorspace will be created and facilitated by the extension and change of use of the fish and chip shop… which remains applicable to takeaway uses until 31 July 2021.

‘It will help to provide a larger convenience store which can operate more efficiently, with a larger back of house floorspace as well as an increased sales area resulting from the change of use of the takeaway.’

The report adds that there are a lack of retail services in Widdrington Station.

The dramatic events of 2020 are having a major impact on many of our local valued advertisers and consequently the advertising that we receive. We are now more reliant than ever on you helping us to provide you with news by buying a copy of our newspaper. If you can, please do pick up a copy when you are at the shops. Thank you for your support.