Plans to demolish retail park units after Dunelm fire

Emergency services were called to reports of a large fire at the St James Retail Park in Northampton

Plans have been submitted to demolish a row of shops after a fire destroyed Dunelm and Pets at Home stores.

The fire, believed to have been started deliberately, broke out at Nene Valley Retail Park in Northampton on 31 May.

A 15-year-old boy previously pleaded not guilty to committing arson with recklessness and will face a trial at Wellingborough Magistrates' Court in February.

RI BQ Stockport Limited has now submitted an application to West Northamptonshire Council asking to demolish and rebuild the units. It said the plans were "necessary to enable the tenants to re-commence trading".

Several units near Dunelm were also damaged in the fire, including Dreams, B&M and NCF Living

Nearby stores such as B&M and Tapi Carpets were also affected by the fire, and Dreams had previously hoped to reopen by the end of 2025.

However, the application said "it is not possible to determine the full extent of structural damage that has occurred as a result of the fire, and therefore permission is sought to demolish and rebuild the entire retail terrace".

It planned to "reinstate" the services and floor space of 9,527 sq m (102,547 sq ft) on a "like for like" basis.

It added that "all external façades will be fully refurbished, enhancing the building's appearance and contributing positively to the character of the surrounding area".

A decision on the application is expected by the end of January.