Plans for dance studio and warehouse at old garden centre approved

Proposals - submitted by Mark Rees - to redevelop the former Sunnyside Nurseries on the Bristol Road at Gossington were approved by Stroud District Council last night (January 23).

It comes after concerns were previously raised about planning delays experienced by the applicant earlier this month. 

The site is currently covered with a mixture of hard standing and a range of buildings associated with the last use of the site as a garden centre.

But revised plans for the site will see a new single warehouse built for products to be sold via an on-line business and transported to the customers.

The scheme also includes a separate building to provide a showroom, an office space, and a canteen/café. The intention is to use the showroom to showcase the online stock.

In addition, the application also includes a separate purpose-built dance studio which will be split over two floors and have a combined floor space of 902 sq.m and a height of 8m.

There will also be a total of 44 car parking spaces at the site.

READ MORE: Concerns raised over planning delays for new dance school

Plans for a dance studio, storage and distribution warehouse, cafe and showroom have been given the go-ahead - photo credit SDC/Mark Rees

Councillor Gordon Craig (C, Berkeley Vale) spoke in favour of the proposals at the development control committee meeting at Ebley Mill.

He also read out a statement on behalf of Cllr Lindsey Green (C, Berkeley Vale) who also supported the scheme’s approval.

He said the council had a real opportunity to support businesses which would occupy the site which has been empty for several years.

New dance studio would “put Stroud district on the map”

Applicant Mark Rees said he and his wife Sally and are the owners of the land formerly known as Sunnyside Garden Centre which has been derelict since 2018.

He said they submitted plans last July to accommodate their growing ecommerce business which sells sustainably produced products for the home.

And the dance studio would “put Stroud district on the map” for performing arts.

“As part of the development we are prepared to donate a small corner of the site to support my wife’s business, the Sally Prout School of Dancing.

“We have an abundance of talent in the Stroud district which is hampered by the lack of quality facilities.

“Sally fully intends to remain teaching and running her existing classes in the local community. This is not a replacement studio.”

Council officers had recommended rejecting the scheme due to its location outside the settlement boundary and for it being in conflict with planning policies.

However, a proposal to reject the scheme was voted down by the committee which ultimately voted to approve the plans by six votes to four with one abstention.