A ROW has broken out between Gloucester’s two main shopping districts.

The owners of Gloucester Quays want to expand the number of small shops on the site which includes the new Gloucester Quays Designer Outlet from six to 21.

But this has prompted outcry from Aviva Investors, owners of King’s Square, who say it will be bad for the city centre.

The application will be discussed at tonight’s Gloucester City Council planning meeting.

Officers have recommended the changes be approved, subject to confirmation that any new units would be outlet shops. Click here for more

But Aviva claims this will draw trade away from the city centre.

In a letter Davina Powell, from Nathaniel Lichfield and Partners, acting on behalf of Aviva, said: "If this application is permitted, when the economy improves, the size of the factory outlets centre will remain comparable with the city centre units and compromise the city centre role.

"In times of recession the factory outlet centre may be viewed as a cheaper alternative and consequently may have a greater impact on the heart of the city."

Planning officer Adam Smith rejected Aviva’s claims , saying: "It is not considered that with the changes in this application the cumulative effect would be detrimental to the vitality and viability of the city centre."

Sarah Hawkins for WYG Planning and Design, on behalf of Gloucester Quays, said in a letter to planners: "Our client with the Gloucester Heritage Urban Regeneration Company has always fully supported the regeneration of Gloucester and in particular the Magnificent Seven projects including King’s Square.

"Our client is committed to enhancing Gloucester city as a whole and believes the current proposal will not have any impact on the viability of other key regeneration schemes."

A decision is due to be made tonight.

Source: www.thisisgloucestershire.co.uk, Tuesday, June 09, 2009