A FLOURISHING business has been given the go ahead to expand the size of its current retail park unit.

Plans had been submitted to Warrington Borough Council’s planning department for unit 5a at Junction Nine Retail Park.

The application was to certify that the proposed installation of additional floorspace at mezzanine level would be lawful.

Applicant Pets at Home Ltd, through estate agent Savills, has now been given the go-ahead for the Winwick Road site by planners.

Documents in support of the application state: “Planning permission was granted in 2016 for the installation of mezzanine floorspace.

“The application seeks to certify that the proposed installation of up to 200 square metres of additional floorspace at mezzanine level is lawful.

“The 2016 permission permitted the installation of a mezzanine floor within the building, which provides a pet care and treatment facility.

“The existing mezzanine is used for pet care and treatment operations linked to the wider retail use of the premises by Pets at Home.

“The existing mezzanine is no longer sufficient to meet the full operational requirements of Pets at Home.

“It follows that the company is looking to increase the amount of floorspace at mezzanine level.

“This application seeks to certify that a further series of internal works that increase the floorspace of the premises by up to 200 square metres would be lawful.

“The existing mezzanine extends to 272 square metres. The proposed works would extend the total floorspace at mezzanine level within the premises up to a maximum of 397 square metres, providing additional pet care and treatment.”

In granting permission, the council said: “The proposed mezzanine floorspace as described in the submitted application documents would not constitute development.

“It would not be in breach of any conditions attached to the planning permission for the site. As such the proposal would be lawful.”