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New Matlock store 'frozen out' by council
Angry developers claim their plans for a new Iceland supermarket in Matlock's former Woolworths store have been thwarted by council officers.
News the frozen food giant is set to open in the town has been welcomed by town councillors.
But the project's architectural technician has told the Mercury that Derbyshire Dales District Council's planning department plans to recommend refusal when the scheme goes to committee.
Ken Jones said: "All we are wanting to do is get the store up and running and we are trying to come to an agreement with the planners but there have been stumbling blocks.
"We have dramatically changed our design and moved away from the corporate style which is unusual as we are not in a conservation area but the planners said to us they didn't like what we proposed.
"We have changed the design but I'm not hopeful. We have put a lot of effort in and have been told they will recommend refusal."
Matlock Town Council said they had no objections to the plans at a meeting on Monday.
Cllr Sue Burfoot said: "We welcome the arrival of a shop in the former Woolworth's store. They are going to improve the building."
The Woolworth's store, at the junction of Causeway Lane and Firs Parade, closed on January 6.
District council planning officer Gareth Griffiths said they were in negotiations with the company.
He added: "We are trying to get a better design out of the developers.
"We are waiting for them to hopefully present a better design."
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Weather for Matlock
Thursday 24 May 2012
Today
Sunny spells
Temperature: 11 C to 24 C
Wind Speed: 10 mph
Wind direction: North east
Tomorrow
Sunny
Temperature: 11 C to 22 C
Wind Speed: 18 mph
Wind direction: East
