Colchester: plan to alter vacant Shrub End store approved

The Colchester building, in Homefield Road, has been shut since 2019 but could now be given a new lease of life after Colchester Council greenlight new plans.

In documents seen by the Gazette, Dr S Ebaji, director of Colchester Medical Aesthetics Ltd, has proposed dividing the building into several smaller units.

It has not yet been confirmed what type of businesses could occupy the units, but examples listed in the planning application include a retail store, pharmacy, café, health centre and gym.

Empty - A Street View image of the premises from 2022 (Image: Google Maps)

Alterations are also set to be carried out on the site, including the addition of a canopy to the entrance of the building, inserting roof lights, making internal alterations, and adding bin storage.

Although the application has been successful and signed-off by planning bosses, there are some conditional clauses, such as all work must have taken place within the next three years.

It also specifies no demolition or construction work can take place outside 8am until 6pm on weekdays.

Sam McCarthy, councillor for Shrub End said: "I'm really pleased  the application for a new shop, post office, medical centre and pharmacy has been approved and we look forward to working closely with the applicant to ensure this is the best possible facility for St Michael's.

"It's taken several years to get to this stage but since posting about the application on social media, the response has been immensely positive.

"It can sometimes feel like your area is being left behind and for such a large area to have been undeserved for so long, is beyond frustrating.

"Bearing in mind, this area is where the majority of our serving families live, so it is great news and I look forward to it progressing further."

Fellow Shrub End councillor Mick Spindler added: "This is great news for Shrub End - much needed investment and exciting facilities for residents."