Plans for a new garden centre on the edge of Honiton have been recommended for approval.
Combe Estate wants to build a garden centre on the site of the 20-year old Meadow View Nursery in Gittisham and have submitted an application to East Devon District Council planners.
The application is to build a new garden centre at the site in Gittisham which has been used as a commercial nursery for the last 20 years.
The present building on the site would be demolished as part of the proposals.
East Devon District Council will discuss the application on Tuesday and the plans have been recommended for approval.
If the application is approved, the new centre will offer 1,044 sq m of retail space, covered and open sales areas and 43 parking spaces.
The application said: “The development proposal is to construct a garden centre, car park, and accompanying outside retail space.”
East Devon District Council planners will make a decision on the scheme for the proposed development of garden centre, incorporating new building, covered sales area, outdoor sales area, storage and car parking and widening of the access
Recommending approval, a report said: “There are a number of benefits to be considered, including the creation of five jobs, support of local businesses that would supply the garden centre and the fact that the applicant is ready to deliver the garden centre.
“While there are some concerns in relation to delivery of the Local Plan strategies for jobs, the economy and new retail development, the conflicts are relatively minor. In this case there is every indication that the proposal would bring a number of benefits to the local economy which may be long lasting.
“Given the ability of the applicant to deliver the scheme and the proximity of the site to residential areas and complementary businesses in Honiton, the benefits are considered to outweigh the harm.”
