Find, save and share Public Notices that affect you in the area.
Search the Public Notice Portal What is the Public Notice Portal?What is the Public Notice Portal?
The Public Notice Portal carries statutory public notices published in local newspapers and is the fastest and most effective way of finding out what is happening in YOUR neighbourhood.
Search the Public Notice PortalA decision has been made on plans for a new Marks & Spencer store and "small-scale market square" at Queen's Hospital.
Havering Council has given the green light for the proposals, which include a 213 square metre M&S retail unit and two flexible-use retail pods within the entrance forecourt of Queen's Hospital in Romford.
The scheme was approved with conditions, detailing the materials which should be used, hours of use and hours of construction.
According to these conditions, development must start within three years of receiving planning permission, with construction work only permitted between 8am and 6pm on weekdays, and from 8am to 1pm on Saturdays.
The new M&S store is set to open between 7am and 8pm from Monday to Friday, and 9am to 6pm on Saturdays, Sundays, and public holidays.
However, no opening hours were imposed for the fruit hut or retail pods.
The planning officer's report said: "Officers do not consider it necessary to impose operating hours upon the Fruit Hut or retail pods subject to this application.
"In the case of these structures, in view of the location and relationship to the hospital, officers consider that it would be acceptable for the hospital to manage how these units function, in a similar way to how those within the main hospital building are managed."
Planning documents revealed that the new M&S store, which will not sell alcohol or cigarettes, is designed to provide more choice for patients, visitors, and staff.
One of the two pop-up retail pods will be equipped to run a food outlet, while the other could serve as a charity clothes shop, food bank, florist, or craft pop-up for a local business.
The existing fruit hut will be relocated and enhanced as part of the plans, and a "small-scale market square environment" will be created.
The application also hinted at longer-term improvement plans, including the removal of the existing Costcutter store, described as "outdated" and "extremely limited in offer".
There are further plans to install a "refurbished restaurant" in the hospital, and to transform the existing Costa shop into an artisan coffee shop.
The cost of the development is estimated to be around £2 million.
Share