The company is hoping to create 21 job vacancies in the store, which would be the first Next outlet in the townRobert Harries Senior Reporter, Nicholas Thomas and Local Democracy Reporter
16:19, 08 Jun 2026Updated 16:25, 08 Jun 2026
The site of a proposed Next store (next to Puregym) at Gallagher Retail Park in Caerphilly(Image: Local Democracy Reporting Service)
Plans for a new Next store in Caerphilly have taken a significant step forward after council planners approved the fashion chain’s proposal to transform a unit at a town retail park.
The retailer could generate 21 jobs if it launches its first outlet in the town, having identified a vacant unit at Gallagher Retail Park for conversion.
When Caerphilly County Borough Council recently conducted a public consultation on the proposals, the scheme attracted 260 letters of support.
The unit, situated adjacent to a gym, was constructed in 2008 but has remained largely unused for almost two decades, aside from storage purposes.
Original planning consent for the unit featured restrictions on the categories of merchandise that could be sold there – designed to safeguard the “vitality and viability” of town centre businesses. For the latest Caerphilly news, sign up to our newsletter here.
Next has successfully contended that these restrictions should be eased, enabling the unit to stock a broader range of products including clothing and homeware – while also launching a new café.
Through a separate application, the retailer secured planning consent to construct a new mezzanine level at the location of its proposed new outlet.
A supporting document from Next’s representatives, Q+A Planning, stated the new enterprise would generate employment, enhance shopping options for Caerphilly’s residents, and would not adversely affect the town centre.
An assessment of the town centre revealed that any available units there were insufficiently large for Next’s requirements, they said. Council planning officials agreed the agents had undertaken sufficient research and had offered a “reasoned justification” as to why alternative potential sites were unsuitable or unavailable.
The officials also determined the proposed Next store would “improve consumer choice, allowing residents to better meet their shopping needs within the borough, and reduce the need to travel further afield”.
They additionally highlighted the scheme would enable “the beneficial occupation of a long-term vacant unit” at the retail park.
A planning document revealed 260 letters backing the scheme were submitted to the council, citing reasons such as employment opportunities, enhanced choice for customers, and the opportunity for people to shop locally.
Cllr Jamie Pritchard, who represents the Morgan Jones ward and is also the council leader, informed officials the arrival of Next would be “positive for Caerphilly” and had “generated considerable support from residents”.
His ward colleague – the council’s co-deputy leader, councillor Shayne Cook – also backed the application, telling officials he had consulted with residents and had “only received comments supporting this application”.
The arrival of Next, he noted, would “attract other interest for other vacant units and increase footfall to the current units”.
Get daily breaking news updates on your phone by joining our WhatsApp community here. We occasionally treat members to special offers, promotions and ads from us and our partners. See our Privacy Notice.