M&S foodstore obtains planning consent

Unit 3 was formerly occupied by ‘Carpetright’ and is currently vacant, whilst Unit 4 was formerly occupied by ‘Harry Corry’ and is also now vacant.

The proposed foodstore will have a gross internal area of 1,870 square metres and a total net sales area of 1,325 square metres, of which 1,195 square metres will be dedicated to food sales and the remainder for non-food comparison goods. The applicant has indicated that a click and collect service will be provided at the new store, however the clothing and home offer will not be provided.

Marks and Spencer have confirmed that they intend to close their existing King Street, Kilmarnock store at the end of March 2027 when their lease expires as it no longer meets their business model requirements. They have confirmed that they will retain and safeguard the 71 existing jobs currently employed in their King Street store as they will be transferred to the new foodstore at Queens Drive.

In determining the application, the Planning Committee considered all the information presented to them, proceeded to determine the application on its planning merits, and resolved to grant permission for a new store on Queens Drive.

Planning Application No 25-0567-PP - Units 3 and 4, Queens Drive Retail Park.pdf