A planning application has been approved for a "national grocer" to take over the former Next unit in Hatfield.

The plans, submitted by Coal Pension Properties Limited on behalf of their client, will see condition 3 for the sale of goods restriction removed to allow the retail sale of food at Unit One in Oldings Park Retail Park.

The unit has stood empty since the closure of Next back in January, with a yet to be revealed "national grocer" moving in.

"The floorspace at the application site measures a total of 3,830spm. This is configured as 2,115sqm at ground floor level and 1,715sqm at mezzanine level," the application reads.

"The proposed development seeks an extension to the permitted retail use to enable a food store to operate from the ground floor of the premises."

Welwyn Hatfield Borough Council have imposed conditions of the approval, with the decision notice reading: "The sale of food and drink within the premises shall not exceed a cumulative total of 1,350sqm floor area.

"This limitation includes all areas designated for the display, preparation, and sale of food and drink products including both prepared and packaged items."

To view the application, visit planning.welhat.gov.uk/Search/Basic, and search 6/2023/0945/VAR.