THE countdown to the opening of a Marks and Spencer food store early next year in Wey Hill has begun in earnest with the submission of three planning applications.

Waverley has just received applications for external alterations to the former Co-operative store, for illuminated and non-illuminated signs, and to update the original plan to make it clear which trees should be retained.

Proposed external alterations include a new trolley shelter to the south in addition to replacing the existing one to the north, a glazed shop entrance, a line of bollards across the shop front and a new fence and gate powder-coated black.

The spaces in the Co-op car park did not meet Waverley guidelines and M&S proposes resurfacing the parking area and reducing the number of spaces from 50 to 44 to make it more accessible. An additional two spaces will be provided for families and a dedicated disabled space.

planning consultants Nathaniel Lichfield and partners said in their covering letter: “The proposed development will be part of a significant investment by M&S in converting the unit to be suitable for occupation by them as a foodhall.

“The changes are modest and consistent with the existing use as a food store and car park. The proposed external alterations will create no additional retail floorspace and will therefore not increase the existing footprint of the retail unit.”

Advertisement consent is sought for four illuminated aluminium box signs, a non-illuminated totem sign, food image graphic vinyls and trolley bay signage.

M&S is applying for variation of condition of the original consent of 35 years ago in order to update the plan showing which trees around the perimeter of the site should not be felled without prior agreement.