Developer LXB Retail Properties has secured planning permission from East Northamptonshire Council for a £52m development at Rushden Lakes.

LXB bought the 244 acre site alongside the A45 on the edge of Rushden for £4.5m last year. The site is opposite a Waitrose Food & Home store, a Wickes and a Lidl store. While much of it is part of a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), there are 31 brownfield acres that are developable.

LXB’s planned development will comprise a 74,000 sq ft home and garden centre, 340,000 sq ft of retail units across three terraces, a drive-thru restaurant, lakeside visitor centre and restaurants. A hotel, crèche and leisure club will also be included on the site.

LXB plans to be on site in Autumn 2013.

Steve North, leader of East Northamptonshire Council said: “The creation of a leisure, retail and tourism destination will be a shot in the arm for Rushden and we are delighted that such a latent local asset as the Lakes will be finally opened up for the local community to enjoy. We welcome this vote of confidence from such a well-regarded developer.'

The application will now be referred by East Northamptonshire Council to the secretary of state who will decide whether this application should be called in for further consideration.

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