Morrisons has now submitted a planning application to West Oxfordshire District Council. If the planning application is approved, construction could begin in early 2013, with the food store opening nine months later. This development project will help to unlock wider town centre regeneration and help fulfil Carterton’s potential as a successful shopping destination. It will also enable the extension of ‘The Beehive’ public house into an open-plan restaurant, increase footfall, trade and business for the existing town centre and create around 200 new permanent jobs with training.

I am delighted to see that the application which has been submitted is for a comprehensive scheme and that Morrisons has worked hard to produce a contemporary building which should enhance the town centre. Importantly, they have also looked at developing the links between the new store at the southern end of the site and the existing town centre retail. I am sure there will be points of detail that we will wish to discuss with Morrisons but the submission of the planning application is a very welcome step towards the regeneration of the town centre.

More information is available at www.morrisonscarterton.co.uk

… and on the WODC website – Morrisons Carterton planning application

… and as reported in the Witney Gazette