Former Petroc site to become electrical superstore

Electrical retailer HBH Woolacotts is to redevelop part of the former Petroc College Brannams campus near Barnstaple.

The firm wants to turn it into a “Barnstaple superstore” and then close its high street shop.

Planning documents for North Devon Council said the central location is no longer suitable because of what it says is a restricted pedestrian location, compromised access, and no ‘click and collect’ facility.

Its turnover is currently “severely restricted” because of the constraints of the location and parking issues.

Its agent, Architect Design Group, said the firm’s move is central to it expanding and creating 40 new jobs.

Petroc’s education centre is allowed to be turned into retail use after planners granted permission last year. The college put the Brannams site at Roundswell up for sale after relocating its creative industries courses, including music, performing arts, creative media and arts, as well as construction, to its main campus at Sticklepath Hill, Barnstaple.

Petroc said the money from the sale would be reinvested into its other facilities, and it is reducing its carbon footprint by having everything on one site.

Woolacotts has been granted approval for two retail units – one for itself and one to let to another retailer.

Tawstock Parish Council objected, saying there would be an increase in traffic on already congested roads and no highway assessment had been done. It would also set a precedent for further shops and cause noise pollution.

Devon County Council’s highways department didn’t raise any objections.

North Devon planning officers said that whilst it was regrettable that the high street store would close, the proposed development would provide jobs, as well as ‘enhancing viability, vitality, and self-containment.’

Woolacotts’ opening hours will be restricted to 9am to 6pm on weekdays and Saturdays, and 10am to 4pm on Sundays. 

Deliveries would arrive between 7.30am and 5.30pm to reduce the potential for noise at other times.