Top retailer Next is planning to open a big store in Selby.
The brand is aiming to create an outlet at the Three Lakes Retail Park.
Because the size of the unit is not big enough for its needs, the company has applied for permission to create a mezzanine floor.
The unit was once home to Carpetright and then discount store chain One Below.
Planning documents state: “The store’s existing floorspace is not large enough to accommodate the required format which includes menswear, womenswear, and childrenswear departments.
“Accordingly, it is proposed to install a mezzanine of 398 sq m within the unit, which will accommodate both sales floorspace and ‘back of house’ areas.”
It will fill a gap in the Next chain – the nearest stores to Selby are around 14 miles to the north in York or the same distance to Leeds Thorpe Park to the west.
“The company is therefore keen to secure representation locally, enabling it to better serve customers from the town and surrounding areas and reducing the need for travel to more distant locations,” documents state.
The new store will create 25 jobs, equivalent to 15-17 full-time posts.
Next says it looked at potential sites in Selby town centre, but those available were too small for their needs.
The documents state: “80 Gowthorpe is a prominent unit on the corner of Scott Road, which has been vacant for at least four years. However, the site is not being marketed, and cannot be considered available.
“The site is currently subject to a planning application for residential redevelopment, which is understood to be determined soon…
“It is evident that there are no alternative premises or sites in Selby town centre that are suitable or available to meet Next’s requirements for its proposed Selby store.”
The application says that the Selby store at Three Lakes will bring “an enhancement in local retail provision through the introduction of a major national fashion and home goods retailer, improving local retail consumer choice and reducing the need for residents to travel to locations further afield for shopping purposes”.
The plans will go before North Yorkshire Council soon.