A bed store in a Wiltshire retail park is “under offer” after plans were approved to convert the unit into a restaurant and takeaway.

Last July a proposal was lodged to change the use of the Bensons for Beds store at Hathaway Retail Park, in Chippenham, to a mixed restaurant and takeaway.

On Tuesday, January 23, Wiltshire Council approved the scheme after a four-month delay.

In their decision notice, the council said it had worked proactively to secure the development to “improve the economic, social and environmental conditions of the area.”

The Wiltshire Gazette and Herald: Hathaway Retail Park ChippenhamHathaway Retail Park Chippenham (Image: Newsquest)

At the time of writing the 5,000 sq ft unit was described as “under offer” after being marketed as available to let for several months by estate agents Savills.

Last year the site’s owners, Aegon UK Property Fund Ltd, said the change of use would allow them greater flexibility to re-let the property to potential new occupants.

They added that future tenants would be able to operate the unit as a restaurant with a higher level of takeaway, helping to diversify the retail park and enhancing its “vitality and viability.”

Bensons for Beds declined to comment but previously insisted it had no plans to close its Chippenham store.