The continued expansion and diversification of Endsleigh Garden Centre acts to destroy the viability and vitality of Ivybridge's town centre. The current Planning Appeal (K1128/W/15/3133435) lodged by its owners to overturn the clear recommendations of Ivybridge and South Hams District Councils, and the wishes of local residents and traders, should be rejected.

Background

In the original Planning Approvals for Endsleigh Garden Centre (July 2000), there were significant conditions placed, to retain the character of the site as a garden centre and to protect the vitality and viability of Ivybridge town centre. These conditions have already been flouted, with the Centre regularly trading in goods outside the intent of the approvals. The residents and traders of Ivybridge have frequently made their views clear, for example in the 2013 Ivybridge Town Centre Retail and Leisure Study, highlighting the potential damage of further large retail operations outside the centre. More recently (Jan 2015) the Town Team committee, chaired by Mr Gary Streeter MP made important proposals supporting existing town retailers and seeking to attract new retailers into the town. these proposals are reflected in the draft Neighbourhood Plan for Ivybridge (July 2015) that has been submitted to South Hams District Council.

If the Appeal by Endsleigh Garden Centre is upheld this will be in disregard of the clearly expressed wishes of the residents and traders of Ivybridge and those in the surrounding areas. It would also mean that the Planning Authority had failed in its duty to "recognise town centres as the heart of their communities and pursue policies to support their vitality and viability" as required by the NPFF.

Statement of Petitioners

In signing this petition we strongly oppose the Appeal (K1128/W/15/3133435) by Endsleigh Garden Centre to vary a condition of their planning consent and we pledge our support for no further relaxation of the planning conditions in place for the Centre.