Plans for Majestic Wine store in Christchurch town centre

Planning permission has now been obtained for a building in Saxon Square which Majestic Wine has earmarked for a new shop.

The building is already home to a number of shops and offices, but the approved scheme will allow for a new retail unit and shop front to be formed.

Once built, it would face towards Fountain Roundabout and be accessed from Milhams Street North via steps and ramps.

A small parking area is also included in the scheme, located east of the unit, comprising of seven spaces, and one disabled space.

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The layout of the proposal is described as “clearly led by the existing building itself” and “would not increase the built form of the site”.

Majestic Wine already has more than 200 stores across the UK but wants to open at another 70 locations as part of ambitious expansion plans.

The building earmarked by Majestic Wine (Image: Google Maps)

The plans for the Christchurch store first surfaced with the submission of the planning application in June.

Speaking at the time, the company’s CEO John Colley said: “We are delighted to have found a site that we believe would be a perfect fit for Majestic and are hopeful of securing the required planning and licensing permissions in the near future.

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"We are excited about the prospect of bringing our market-leading proposition to Christchurch, and helping new customers enjoy the Majestic experience with our qualified experts and award-winning wines.”

In recommending the application for approval, a planning officer said the works would “improve the appearance” of the building, and subsequently “enhance the character and appearance” of the area.

They also said the proposed parking and access arrangements are “acceptable” and have not generated objections from the Highways Authority in respect of highway safety.

BCP Council decided to approve the planning application on July 26.

Majestic Wine has also submitted a new premises licence application for the site, requesting off sales of alcohol between 8am and 11pm Monday to Sunday.

A decision is yet to be made on this.