Coffee#1, which is owned by Caffe Nero, is applying for planning permission to create a new shop in Witney.

The site at 15 Market Square was formerly occupied by Well Worth It discount kitchenware shop and has been vacant for over a year.

Under planning changes brought in in September 2020 buildings on high streets and town centres can be repurposed without the need for planning permission.

The application says the change of use from a retail unit to a coffee shop will reflect the changing retail requirements of our high streets “therefore injecting vibrancy and vitality back into the building and surrounding area”.

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The external layout of the building would remain the same with double entrance doors and a sympathetic paint finish sensitive to both the Grade II listed building and surrounding Conservation Area, it says.

The application states: “The proposed coffee shop will have a spacious layout with the internal seating areas creating an attractive, welcoming and inviting atmosphere for customers.”

There would be minor internal alterations to the ground floor which would include a new counter/bar, fixed high bench seating, a cleaner’s cupboard, unisex and disabled W/C and a store/staff room.

Internally, the proposed cafe will accommodate around 105 covers with a further four directly outside the front of the building.

Planning application 21/02606/LBC on the WODC website.