National chain, Wickes Building Supplies, had its application permitted to refurbish the old Great Mills site at Paulton, by B&NES Council last week.
The DIY group will invest around £2.2million in the old store, which has stood empty since Focus went into administration in 2011. The plans include the complete refurbishment of the building, with new entrances, a revised parking layout and new planting. The site was once Great Mills' original flagship store and employed over 3,500 people. It is hoped the new store will create up to fifty new jobs for the area.
A decision was also expected on the planning application submitted by J.D. Wetherspoon for the old
Palladium Cinema, in Midsomer Norton High Street this week, however, the application had to be amended due to access issues and there has also been a delay due to site visits, which are now taking place, to investigate both the building's structure and the possibility of bats residing there.