National outdoor clothing chain set to take over empty high street building

A planning application has been submitted for the former Nationwide Building society premises

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Six stages of a planning application

A national outdoor clothing chain looks set to join one of Devon's busiest high streets.

A planning application has been submitted to North Devon Council requesting permission to erect signs for a Millets store at a former building society premises.

The plans for 85 High Street in Barnstaple, formerly a branch of Nationwide, were submitted last week.

The application came from JD Sports Fashion, which owns the Millets brand having bought the company back in 2012.

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How the building could look if the planning application is approved

There are two applications - one for listed building consent and a standard application, both requesting the siting of five signs at the premises.

The artists impression above shows what the shop could look like after the work has taken place.

In a design and access statement submitted with the plans, it says: "The building is a rendered 3-storey building located on the corner of High Street and Cross Street, Bridgeport.

"The fascia signs will be installed above the windows, in the former positions of previous occupant fascia signage, on the High Street and Cross Street elevations.

"The design concept for the signage takes account of the character of the building and its surroundings, and is similar in style/concept to the signage of neighbouring retail stores. The sign design uses black fascia backgrounds with simple brand identity and strapline in white and green.

"The signage is not cluttered and is sizes appropriate to the building and locality."

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The former Nationwide premises on Barnstaple High Street which has been empty for several years(Image: Google)

The former Barnstaple high street Nationwide branch closed back in 2017 when the building society moved to a new location in Green Lanes Shopping Centre.

JD Sports opened its first store in Barnstaple back in November 2016 at the former Cargo store in the high street.

The plans for the Millets signage are under consultation by the authority until January 5, 2020.

You can see the full application by visiting: https://planning.northdevon.gov.uk/Planning/Display/70847