The former John Lewis unit could potentially see a different kind of business take over as a set of uses were declared lawful.

A planning application submitted by atria Watford on November 16 sought to find out whether use of the site for "retail, leisure, the sale of food and beverage for consumption (mostly) on the premises, and/or services offices" would require planning permission.

This morning (January 9), Watford Borough Council confirmed that the unit, which has been vacant since the summer of 2020 but had previously been for retail, could be used in these ways without it constituting a development needing approval.

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The council highlighted that all these uses are within the same “use class” for planning.

In a report recommending approval, the council’s case officer said: “Changes of use within the same use class are not considered to be development.

“The proposed change of use would not require planning permission.”

The Watford Observer previously asked atria Watford whether any deals have been agreed for new businesses to move in, but a spokesperson said it could not comment.