M&S Foodhall, Boston
Planning Potential secured planning permission for a new purpose-built M&S Food Hall, supporting the retailer's return to Boston in a sustainable out-of- centre location. Demonstrating our ability to deliver locally supported retail development, combining robust planning strategy, careful design integration, and proactive community engagement to secure approval and long-term commercial confidence.
Challenge
The proposals sought to bring Marks & Spencer back to Boston following the closure of its previous store in 2019, through delivery of a new food hall at Swineshead Road. The scheme needed to integrate successfully with emerging retail uses while responding to access, design and residential amenity considerations.
As part of a new retail cluster alongside a consented Aldi store and Costa drive-thru, the development needed to demonstrate strong design quality, effective mitigation of servicing impacts, and tangible local benefits.
Without careful planning coordination and engagement, the scheme risked local objection, amenity concerns, and failure to secure investment and employment benefits for the town.
Approach
Coordinated the planning strategy and consultation process for the proposed food hall
Led early engagement with neighbours and stakeholders to address access and amenity concerns
Prepared a robust planning case addressing design, servicing and landscaping considerations
Ensured integration of the food hall with the wider emerging retail cluster
Promoted the economic and social benefits of the scheme including jobs and investment
Outcome
Planning permission secured for a 2,005 sqm purpose-built M&s Food Hall
Up to 70 new jobs created alongside investment in Boston's retail offer
160 customer parking spaces delivered within a coordinated retail cluster
Marks & Spencer successfully returned to the town for the long term