Overview
We were appointed to provide planning and retail planning advice in support of proposals for a new Marks & Spencer Foodhall at Whitewalls Drive, Colne, adjacent to the M65 Junction 14 services.
The proposed Foodhall forms part of M&S's wider investment in its store portfolio and provides a new convenience retail destination serving Colne, Pendle and the surrounding area.
The site's location close to the M65 and existing roadside and retail destinations, including Boundary Outlet, presented a number of planning and retail considerations. These included the relationship with Colne town centre and other existing centres, accessibility, the site's position within the wider retail hierarchy and the potential impact of the development on existing centres.
Our role
We provided specialist planning and retail advice throughout the development and planning process, including:
- Assessing the retail planning implications of the proposed Foodhall
- Considering the role and function of Colne town centre and other relevant centres within the catchment
- Assessing the relationship between the proposed development and existing retail provision
- Advising on the planning policy and retail planning case for the development
- Supporting the preparation and submission of the planning application
- Responding to matters raised through the planning process and supporting the project team through determination
- Working with the wider professional team to develop a deliverable scheme that responded to planning, retail and site-specific considerations
Outcome
Planning permission was granted by Pendle Borough Council in August 2026, following consideration by the Colne and District Committee.
The approved scheme includes a 2,300 sq m standalone M&S Foodhall, 176 customer parking spaces, servicing and landscaping, together with new bus stops on Whitewalls Drive.
The development is expected to support around 70 jobs, increase consumer choice and retain expenditure within Pendle, while bringing investment to a strategically located site alongside the M65 and existing services.