CHRISTCHURCH Emporium has once again escaped consideration by town planners.

The shopping village in Bridge Street has been operating without planning permission, although an application for change of use was submitted two years ago.

Back in May the plans were withdrawn from a planning committee meeting, and the authority said there was too little information provided to proceed.

However the application did not resurface in June, nor is it on the agenda for the next committee meeting, which takes place at 6pm this evening (JUL 20).

A spokesman for the council said planning officers had been informed by the business’ agent that they were awaiting further information to be presented to the board.

The shopping centre saw Molly’s Den take on half the site earlier this year, and wants to move over to a mixed use – including shop and retail warehouse, cafe, office and conference facilities.

The scheme was recommended for approval, but only for two years.

Today’s meeting will discuss planning conditions at Tall Trees and the demolition of Pinebeach Nursing Home.