Bath & North East Somerset planners have given the go ahead for a multi-million pound redevelopment of the current Radco site.

B&NES councillors voted unanimously to approve the proposals by Radco after hearing the public benefits outweighed harm to the conservation area, the lack of affordable housing and the loss of two-thirds of the parking spaces. The decision also safeguards eighty jobs, and the post office will move into the new shop.

Don Morris, Chief Executive for the Society presented the vision for the site which was to shape the future of the Radstock Town Centre and shared some of the feedback from customers, members and residents in response to a consultation exercise.

Plans were approved for the site to include a high-quality modern store, further retail units, office floorspace and 28 apartments in two mixed use buildings along Wells Road. In addition, outline planning has been given for the construction of 26 new homes on part of the existing car park.

Planning committee members were told the existing store, which is leaking and “beyond economical repair”, would be demolished and replaced with a pair of three-storey buildings around a new public square.

One would house the replacement supermarket, along with the co-operative’s head office, with flats on the upper two floors. The other would have more apartments, giving a total of 28, with extra retail space downstairs.

Members also gave the go-ahead for outline plans for 26 terraced houses at the rear of the site, although detailed proposals would need to be submitted and approved.

Radstock Co-Operative Society CEO Dan Morris told the meeting on Wednesday: “We believe we can improve Radstock town by developing this purpose-built, smart, modern shopping facility that we can feel very proud of. By investing in new buildings we will be protecting employment vital to the economy of the town.

“Core services such as the post office that so many people rely upon will be protected and relocated into the new Co-Operative store. Radstock Co-Operative Society plans to build a better store for our customers, a better town centre through thoughtful design and a better future for our community.”

The retailer’s agent Chris Wilson said: “The scheme will bring significant regeneration benefits with the replacement of an outdated store, retention of eighty existing jobs, 54 new homes, enhancement to the public realm with a public square, provision for planters for Radstock In Bloom and a higher quality design that takes into consideration the historic context.”

Westfield parish councillor Ron Hopkins said: “The centre of the town will be enhanced by this in every possible way.” Radstock town councillor Bruce Shearn said “It’s good for Radstock, good for Westfield and good for the Somer Valley.”

Westfield ward councillor and B&NES Labour group leader Cllr Robin Moss said: “Like most local residents, I am very much in support of this scheme. Radco should be commended for the work it has done to take on board what residents have said.

“You cannot underestimate how much Radco is a local community hub. It is also our Radco. Local residents want to see Radco thrive and it is really good to see the application here for approval.”

Committee member and fellow Westfield ward Cllr Eleanor Jackson said: “This store needs to be replaced. You may not realise how difficult working conditions are, with water pouring through the roof, buckets everywhere and sometimes, I fear, naked wires. The store is well past its sell-by date. You should have no qualms about ordering its demolition. It’s an eyesore.”

Cllr Jackson questioned whether the buildings would be too tall, but a planning officer said that although the landscape officer and conservation officer had concerns over the height, the urban design officer did not. Planning policy requires us to balance harm against public benefit,” he said. “It was considered that the impact would be acceptable.”

Cllr Sally Davis said: “It has not been the most attractive building and what they have proposed here will certainly enhance the area. I am quite happy with the application.” Cllr Duncan Hounsell said: “I have no concerns about the height because of the space between the buildings. I fully endorse the proposal to permit.”

Members heard it was the fifth incarnation of the proposals, having been changed because of feedback during consultation. The council requires thirty per cent of homes on large developments to be affordable, but officers accepted it was not possible in this case. Much of the store’s 245-bay car park will be redeveloped, leaving just 84 parking spaces.

Stephen Sumner, LDRS, and Vicki Przytocki, Radstock Co-Operative

Society.