AN independent report has concluded that a major retail development in a South Lakeland town would not be viable unless it was supported by two supermarkets.

An executive summary of a report into the Beehive Business Park, commissioned by South Lakeland District Council as part of the planning process, says the project needs the Aldi and M&S Food supermarkets

The report by property consultancy company JLL states: “Following analysis, we concur that the two retail units proposed within the planning application is the minimum quantum necessary to enable the viability of the office and industrial accommodation proposed.”

The report looked at four options for developing the site - around 500 metres from the town centre - alongside the A590 at Daltongate. They ranged from offices only to mixed-use with two supermarkets. Also considered were a mixed use development with no retail and mixed use with one supermarket.

The report will be considered by SLDC's planning committee at its meeting on April 26. Its conclusions have been welcomed by Beehive developers Rawdon Property Group, which has recently received renewed commitments from Aldi and M&S Food that if planning permission is granted, they will be creating stores in Ulverston.

Rawdon Property Group Director Brian Scott said: “This independent report commissioned by SLDC confirms our case that it is not viable to develop the Beehive without the supermarkets.

“Ulverston Town Council argue that the plans should be rejected because the site is not allocated for retail. But it is allocated for job creation, and our proposal will secure almost 300 jobs at the Beehive.

“Retail takes up a quarter of the site, and the rest will be occupied by the new Blue Light Hub and companies creating high value jobs in Ulverston. Businesses such as Furness Engineering and Technology Ltd, which aims to expand into purpose-built offices, and Lake District Farmers, which wants to move from Tebay to Ulverston."

But the Ulverston Traders' Association has said that the retail development would "detract from the viability of the town centre."

Rawdon Property Group says it has already identified occupiers for 80 per cent of the proposed development through pro-active marketing of the site.

Mr Scott adds: “Those jobs and the commitment from Aldi and M&S Food represent a huge gain for Ulverston – but if this plan is turned down they will go elsewhere.”