The Original Factory Shop in the News
Red tape delays new store move
RED tape has delayed plans by a national department store to take over the former Rossiters site in Paignton.
The Original Factory Shop announced in September it was in the final stage of negotiations for the Palace Avenue location.
Today it was revealed a disagreement between Torbay Council buildings inspectors and planners have led to a delay of more than two months in the outlet opening.
The Original Factory Shop marketing director Colin Leggatt explained: "The building inspector told us we had to put in a fire corridor to be legally allowed to trade. But the planners said we couldn't because it is an old building.
"We have resolved the issue with the building inspector today."
A spokesman for Torbay Council said: "Rossiters' building holds an important place in Paignton's history and Torbay Council welcomes this application to bring a new sustainable use to the building.
"The council's development management team is working closely with the architects to ensure the character of this fine historic building is retained in every aspect, including the sensitive design of two fire escapes in the front of the building.
"The council emphasises this application is not yet determined and is subject to our usual stringent planning process."
The Original Factory Shop has stores nationwide specialising in clothing sportswear, football, electricals, housewares, toys and gifts, beauty products and fragrance.
If the deal had been signed in September work on £250,000 of renovations was due to start immediately with a view to the shop being open before Christmas.
The opening date has now been pushed back by around two months.
Mr Leggatt said: "We are too far behind now to be able to open before Christmas.
"I have it down for January but that will be confirmed at a later date."
Mr Leggatt said the paperwork would be signed 'imminently' now the planning issues have been resolved.
He said the agreement to take over the store hadn't been finalised earlier because it is dependent on the Original Factory Shop being able to trade.
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06 Nov 2009 by Herald Expres
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