An award-winning home and garden centre in the Ribble Valley has had plans approved to build an extension that will introduce new retails units and extend the cafe and play area.

Shackletons Garden Centre in Clitheroe Road, Chatburn, opened back in 2000 and has reached a point where expansion is needed to challenge other local developments.

It said the approval of an interior furniture retail unit with a tea room at Barrow Brook Enterprise Park and the recent approval of a market garden in Sawley Road, Chatburn, are direct competition to the business’ target market.

Lancashire Telegraph: The inside of one of the retail units at ShackletonsThe inside of one of the retail units at Shackletons (Image: Stanton Andrews Architects)

Shackletons has targeted a wider market through the online sector providing access to a larger consumer base, whilst also creating the potential to attract a different audience to the store.

The plans are to build a two-storey extension to the rear of the current building as well as the re-modelling of the current building.

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Additionally, there will be an increased café area and play area in the main building.

A design and access statement submitted to Ribble Valley Borough Council said: “This application, for the alterations and extension to the existing home and garden centre, will aim to keep up with and address current retail trends.

“The scheme has been developed to respond to the following objectives:

  • To provide a new, more modern comprehensive and inspirational shopping experience for customers seeking to furnish their gardens and homes
  • To be designed to a very high standard, both internally and externally, with emphasis on an attractive visual appearance
  • To cater for the centre being a retail destination, adding a different dimension to the existing shopping experience

Lancashire Telegraph: The proposed new layout at ShackletonsThe proposed new layout at Shackletons (Image: Stanton Andrews Architects)

“The extensions have been incorporated as a repeat of the existing modules currently on site – resulting in a five-bay proposal.

"The two extension modules continue up the site and maintain the stepped approach of the existing arrangement to reveal rather than conceal the additions and drag the public around to the previously ‘hidden’ main entrance.

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“A grander entrance to the site is achieved by introducing a landscaped ‘green’ buffer prior to reaching the more formalised parking arrangement. This allows a more enticing arrival experience to suit the home and garden centre use.

“The external sales area is fully accessible with ramped access to the top level where external seating for the café is provided; this area has views across the agricultural land to Pendle Hill in the distance.”

Ribble Valley council approved the plans subject to conditions.