The Cotswold Company could open its first store in Chester city centre.

Plans have been submitted to Cheshire West and Chester Council by the British furniture and homeware retailer to convert the former Holland & Barrett store on Foregate Street.

Empty since 2024, the mock-Tudor building was vacated by Holland & Barrett when the business relocated to a new branch on Eastgate Street.

Planning documents reveal proposals for new signage, which has been designed to be "proportionate to the building" and "sympathetic to the existing shopfront and wider streetscape".

Works would be limited to new signage, which would be "designed to maintain the visual proportions of the building". It would use materials and colours consistent with the brand "while remaining visually restrained" and be installed "without unnecessary alteration to the historic fabric of the building".

The heritage statement adds: "The proposal does not seek to alter the fundamental form, proportions or architectural composition of the building.

"No significant historic fabric is proposed to be removed or altered as part of the signage installation.

"The signage will remain visually subordinate to the building and will allow the architectural character of the frontage to remain legible."

Download our Nub News App!

- It’s FREE and available now
- Breaking news notifications
- Your Town in Your Pocket

Founded in 1996, The Cotswold Company is a British furniture and homeware brand known for its "modern country" aesthetic.

The company initially started with a single shop in Bourton-on-the-Water and has since grown into a major multi-channel retailer.