6 days ago
Plan to convert Boots in Calcot into food store given the go ahead
A plan to convert the Boots chemist and pharmacy in Calcot into a food store has been given the go-ahead.
The Boots at Unit 1 of the Savacentre provides a range of services, including the pharmacy and premium cosmetics and fragrance counters.
The plan emerged last year in an application to West Berkshire Council, involving the repurposing of the Boots into a food store.
The project was considered by a council planning officer earlier this year.
The primary concern in the officer's report was over the potential for increased traffic along the A4 Bath Road and Pincents Lane.
Ultimately, the council has requested a financial contribution to pay for adjustments to traffic light sequencing to improve traffic flow at peak times.
The plan was approved earlier this year despite an objection from Boots that it will be retaining the unit for the next four years.
The objection states: "On behalf of Boots I object to this application. We are the tenant of the subject property.
"We have just taken a new lease to September 2029, and this change is not required for our continued occupation and trade."
Boots has been contacted for a statement clarifying the situation.
You can view the application by typing reference 24/00863/FUL into West Berkshire's planning portal.
The permission has a three-year time limit. If no change to the Boots unit is made in that time, the application would be determined as expired, meaning a fresh application would have to be submitted.
The application was submitted by Threadneedle Property, the company that owns the Savacentre.
