Popular outdoor brand unveils plans to open in old Poundland

Poundland on Lymington High Street closed its doors to customers in January.

The shop has stood empty for three months and now Mountain Warehouse wants to take over the site.

The national retailer already has a store only a stone’s throw away from the proposed site.

If plans are approved, the new shop at 78-80 High Street will be larger than the existing Mountain Warehouse store.

In an application submitted to New Forest District Council (NFDC), Sam Feeney, on behalf of Mountain Warehouse, outlines proposals to install a “high-level” sign.

The plans also include two “double-sided projecting signs” at the front of the building.

Lymington and Pennington Town Council have already recommended that the plans be approved.

Cllr Jack Davies, who sits on the town council, said: “Whilst many of us would have liked to see a Home Bargains or similar shop, it’s great that Mountain Warehouse have chosen to expand with a larger premises on the High Street.

“This is a real vote of confidence in Lymington, and I look forward to seeing them open.”

Poundland originally had no plans to leave Lymington, but the landlord decided to close the property, meaning the retailer was unable to continue trading.

A petition was launched to save the bargain shop, but it shut for good at the end of January.

The petition amassed 578 signatures, with organiser Guy Rothwell stating that news of the closure “has shaken our community to its core”.

He added: “This store is a lifeline for many residents, especially for those on tight budgets.”

At the time, Cllr Davies called for the site to be turned into a Primark or a Home Bargains, adding that he was “really gutted” the shop would be closing.

This idea was met with a lot of support from residents, who also suggested an indoor market or a clothes shop.

The planning application was validated by NFDC on April 7, and a consultation will take place on May 8.

A decision date is yet to be set by the local authority.