An outline planning application (ref. 08O/2065) has been submitted to build shops and offices on the site of the existing Gateacre Park Motors premises in Thurne Way. The proposal is for a three-storey block containing 7 retail units on the ground floor, and 14 self-contained offices above. As the application is only for outline permission, there is little further information, but the 'illustrative layout' drawings submitted with the application show a 29-space car parking area off Thurne Way with the same access points as at present, and no through route (either for vehicles or pedestrians) to the adjacent Gateacre Park Drive shopping precinct.

In our comments to the Planning Department, we have suggested that the two sites should be treated as a single entity (the owners of the Gateacre Park Drive precinct having already been given outline planning permission to demolish and redevelop it) so as to maximise the benefits to the local community. We have questioned the need for offices, and have asked that the pedestrian access arrangements be re-thought so as to make walking to these local shops an attractive alternative to driving further afield.