Malcolm Scott Consultants has secured planning consent for site development at Cambridgeshire-based Oakington Garden Centre.

The family-run centre has been given the green light by South Cambridgeshire District Council to expand its shop to complement its very successful restaurant

Work on the 4,000 sq ft  extension is set to start this year.

Chris Primett of Malcolm Scott Consultants said: “We’re particularly pleased with this achievement as it is a development located within the Green Belt, which therefore requires  very careful consideration of the supporting special circumstances.

“There is some evidence that local planning authorities are taking a more positive approach towards garden centre development in Green Belt locations, although this is balanced with Central Government’s desire to see retail investment going into town centres.”

Philip Sadler, of Oakington garden centre, added: “The extra covered sales area that Chris and the team have gained permission for not only greatly increases our sales area, but enables our customers to shop in comfort without being exposed to the elements.

“The covered walkway to the café will have a particularly significant impact as many of our customers are elderly/ have mobility issues, therefore the improvements will undoubtedly improve accessibility and overall customer experience. We would expect that this new development will lead to further growth to our business.”