Excitement is building after a national bookshop chain submitted proposals to open in Romsey. 

Planning documents have revealed that Waterstones looks set to move into the old M&Co unit in The Hundred.

The fashion retailer closed its doors for the last time in April last year amid nationwide closures. 

Waterstones shop design manager, Martin Thomas, has submitted a planning application for three signs on the empty store.

This will be the first bookshop in the town centre since the closure of Superbook in June last year. Care company Casbrook Home Care quickly moved into their unit.

Reacting to the news of Waterstones's arrival, Mayor of Romsey John Parker said: “Since the closure of Superbook we have been without a specialist bookseller. To have such a prestigious name as Waterstones wanting to come to our town is a positive reflection on Romsey as a thriving shopping destination.”

CGI of the new Waterstones (Image: TVBC)

Romsey Town Council's planning committee discussed the application at its meeting on Thursday, June 20. 

Suzi Shilling, the town council's business, events and tourism officer, said: “We are unable to comment on the planning application for new signs as this will be decided by planning officers and committees. However, we would welcome Waterstones to Romsey as they would be a great asset to the town, especially after the closure of Superbook last year. 

“With Romsey’s average shop vacancy rates at four per cent, below the national average of 11 per cent, it potentially reflects the interest of national retailers such as Waterstones to the area.”

Despite the positivity, Test Valley Borough Council's conservation officer has submitted an objection. George Harrold said: “The principle of the proposal is considered acceptable from a Conservation perspective, however the current designs should be subject to further revision to ensure the character and appearance of the conservation area (and its setting) is sustained.”

Mr Harold added that if permission is granted: "Samples and a schedule of all external materials and finishes to be submitted. This is particularly important as Foamex and Perspex are referenced in the application form, and therefore it is currently unclear the extent to which plastic would be used in the signage. The use of plastic on any external elements of the signage would not be acceptable within a conservation area.”

Hampshire County Council's highways department raised no objection. 

For more information about the planning application online, search 24/01009/ADVS on Test Valley Borough Council's planning portal.