Plans are in to change a former Boots store in York.
The Kings Square branch closed last October. Now though a new business is preparing to move in.
Building owners K Square 2 LLP are seeking changes to the shop layout – and also want to build flats on the floors above.
The shop is now under offer, although the new occupant has not yet been identified.
To prepare for the new business, Gallagher Planning consultancy has submitted a planning application to update the basement and ground floor.
In the store basement, permission is being sought to change the stud walls, break out the concrete floor for drainage and add a new door.
And on the ground floor, a stud wall and modern fire door would be removed, and there’ll be “new studwork and a plaster skin finish”.
Planning documents state: “There is no proposed change of use or external changes to the building proposed at this time.
“It is the applicant’s intention to submit a separate planning application & listed building consent for the change of use of the upper floors to residential.
“The current listed building consent will, in effect, create a self contained retail unit primarily at ground floor level and will in due course facilitate the change of use of the upper floors to residential.
“The project has been phased in this manner due to commercial time pressures (the need to make the building ready to accept a new tenant).”
The building is Grade II listed, but “no historical features are proposed to be lost through the works proposed in this development”.
The planning statement concludes: “The public benefits of the proposed works are associated with the introduction of a new retailer into a high profile, vacant unit within the city centre.
“In addition, these works will allow for the separation of the upper floors for the future residential application.”
You can read and comment on the planning application here.