The new owner of a major Shropshire shopping destination has launched a bid to attract superstores by seeking permission to increase the size limit for individual retail units.
Planning bid to accommodate larger retailers
British Land, which acquired Telford Forge Retail Park at the end of 2024, has submitted a formal application to Telford & Wrekin Council. The property giant wants to raise the maximum floor area allowed for a single tenant at the site.
Currently, a planning condition caps any unit at 5,574 square metres (60,000 square feet). The application seeks to increase this limit to 6,503 square metres (70,000 square feet).
Market demand drives changes
Agents acting for British Land, Montagu Evans, have told council planners that interest in the park is now coming primarily from larger retail operators. These big-name brands need more internal space to operate their business models effectively.
"The new owners have been engaged in ongoing discussions with a number of prospective occupiers at the site," the agents stated. They described the application as 'modest', noting that the total floorspace across the entire park would remain unchanged at 37,000 sq m (398,264 sq ft).
Securing the park's future
The proposal is framed as a move to ensure the retail park's long-term economic health. By allowing more flexibility in how the existing space is configured, British Land believes it can secure viable, long-term tenancies.
Planning representatives confirmed the change would not alter the type of goods sold at the park. Instead, it aims to help the site adapt to current and future market demands.
Current tenants at Telford Forge Retail Park, located off Colliers Way in Old Park, include Sainsbury's, Currys, Nuffield Health, McDonald's, and Five Guys.
The application argues that securing new, large occupiers will support local employment, maintain investment in the area, and ensure the site continues to contribute positively to Telford's economy.
A public consultation on the scheme is underway. The application can be viewed on the council's planning portal using the reference TWC/2025/0865.
