An application has been submitted to Richmond Council to allow a foodstore to operate from a unit at Kew Retail Park, currently occupied by Sports Direct.

Planning consultants Avison Young, on behalf of developer St George, are seeking to vary a condition of the site's original planning permission (99/2901/FUL) to increase the allowable convenience goods sales area at Unit 1a.

The proposed change would raise the food and drink sales space at Unit 1a to 1,153 square metres (net) — compared to the existing 743 square metre limit that applies across the rest of the retail park.

The amendment states: "That no more than 743 sq m of floor space of the proposed building shall be used for food and drink sales, except for Unit 1a as shown on Site Plan 001 which can be occupied by a foodstore operator selling no more than 1,153 sq m (net) of convenience goods."

The application also proposes altering condition LP04U, which currently restricts retail use to Marks & Spencer only.

The new version would allow Unit 1a to be used more flexibly without limiting the operator.

No external changes are proposed to the building and the overall retail floor space across Kew Retail Park would remain unchanged.

The rear of Unit 1a, Kew Retail Park (credit: Planning application).

In its planning statement, Avison Young said: "This requirement has been driven by changing tenant requirements and a fall in the demand for large units from comparison retailers.

"The application seeks to maximise the use of existing units at Kew Retail Park, which is an established retail location within the local area."

However, the proposals have drawn observation from Marks & Spencer, a long-standing occupier of the site.

Planning agent John Mumby, from Iceni Projects, submitted representations on M&S's behalf, raising concerns over a lack of consultation.

Mumby stated: "It appears that no other occupiers of Kew Retail Park, including Marks & Spencer, have received a letter notifying them of validation of the planning application."

"At a site visit on Monday 26 May 2025, there was no obvious evidence of a site notice at or around Unit 1a. In the interest of fairness, representations should be accepted right up until the decision date."

Mumby also explained the lack of an identified food operator in the plans, arguing it makes it difficult to assess the potential impact on existing convenience retailers, such as M&S.

Further clarification was requested regarding delivery logistics, including how servicing and goods handling would be managed for the unit.

In addition, one resident, Dr David Bellingham of Defoe Avenue, submitted an objection on behalf of his family. He wrote:

"We would object to Unit 1a being occupied by a foodstore if there was any actual preparation of food for sale which would be likely to pollute the air with cooked food odours… We do not object if it is only selling foods."

The application is currently under consideration by Richmond Council and has not yet been decided.

To read the full application click here.

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