Revamp for land close to Castleton station approved

Outline plans for the creation of a new public open space and development including shops, bars and restaurants, close to Castleton train station have been approved by Councillors at a planning meeting held tonight (Tuesday 15 March 2011).
 
The application relates to a site of 0.58 hectares in size focused around Railway Approach, adjacent to the station in Castleton. The site includes Railway Approach and land to the east, west and north.
 
The site has a generally unattractive appearance with palisade fencing to site boundaries, open storage areas visible from public vantage points and a metal clad building at the prominent junction of Railway Approach and Smalley Street.
 
The space may include some or all of the following:
 
•    Retail
•    Financial and professional services
•    Restaurants and cafes
•    Drinking establishments
•    Hot food takeaways
•    Business
•    Non-residential institutions
•    Assembly and leisure
 
The detail of the scheme was not approved; further applications for the specifics will be submitted at a later date.
 
The outline plans were approved because the development will link to the development on the adjacent 'Woolworth' site to the existing Castleton Local Centre on Manchester Road.
 
Creation of the proposed the open space and new development will ensure that the benefits of the Woolworth development are shared with the existing shops and services in Castleton and not to result in detriment to their vitality and viability.
 
The creation of a new area of public open space along with new built development provides the opportunity to greatly improve the area around Railway Approach to provide a safe and attractive focal point within the centre of Castleton as well as improving the image of Castleton particularly for those arriving in or passing through Castleton by train.