Plans for an M&S Foodhall at a busy Northampton retail park have been recommended for approval following ‘overwhelming’ support from the public.

Planning officers at West Northamptonshire Council (WNC) have recommended that councillors approve plans for a new store at Riverside Retail Park when they meet on Thursday March 19.

The plans, submitted by Riverside Retail Ltd, would see part of the former Homebase unit redeveloped so M&S can open a Foodhall alongside the recently opened Wickes store.

A report prepared ahead of the meeting says the scheme would bring a long-vacant unit back into use and improve the range of shops at the retail park.

The plans, submitted by Riverside Retail Ltd, would see part of the former Homebase unit (pictured) redeveloped so M&S can open a Foodhall alongside the recently opened Wickes store.

placeholder image — The plans, submitted by Riverside Retail Ltd, would see part of the former Homebase unit (pictured) redeveloped so M&S can open a Foodhall alongside the recently opened Wickes store.

Planning officers said: “The proposal represents an appropriate and policy-compliant use of an established out-of-centre retail unit, bringing a long-vacant building back into productive use and strengthening the vitality of Riverside Retail Park. The applicant has robustly demonstrated compliance with both the sequential test and retail impact assessment requirements, with independent review confirming no significant adverse effect on the vitality or viability of Northampton town centre or other designated centres.

“The scheme delivers clear economic benefits, including substantial job creation, new investment, and improved retail choice.

“Overall, the proposal accords with the development plan when read as a whole, and the identified benefits significantly outweigh any limited impacts. The development is therefore considered acceptable, subject to the recommended conditions.”

Will Smith, M&S’ property director, said in 2024: “This site in Northampton would make a fantastic location for an M&S Foodhall, creating 70 jobs. The show-stopping store would be one of the most modern in the UK, offering local shoppers a fresh market-style Foodhall with an in-store bakery, flower shop, wine shop, card and wrap shop, M&S’s signature cheese bar, click & collect facilities, and interactive features.”

The project has faced delays since plans were first submitted in May 2024. The main issues included traffic concerns and an objection from Tesco, which operates a supermarket in the nearby Weston Favell Shopping Centre.

Highway impacts have now been assessed, with the report stating that, with agreed mitigation measures in place, the development would not cause severe disruption to the surrounding road network.

The report says the development will include a traffic signal upgrade using a MOVA system at the nearby A45/A43 Lumbertubs interchange – a smart traffic light system that adjusts signal timings based on traffic levels. The upgrade would need to be completed before the store opens, according to planning papers.

Tesco also objected to the plans, warning that the new M&S could affect footfall in other shopping areas. The company suggested the retailer should instead have considered the former Sainsbury’s unit in the Grosvenor Centre.

However, the planning report says the former Sainsbury’s unit was assessed but ruled out as a suitable alternative location.

The report says: “It is clear that the former Sainsbury’s unit is not commercially viable for the proposed development, even when applying flexibility, and would not be occupied by M&S in the event that the Planning Application is refused.”

Planning officers also said there was ‘overwhelming support’ for the application, with more than 100 members of the public submitting letters backing the store.

A final decision will be made next week.