Hungerford retailer Roxtons eyes former TSB site

CLOTHIERS Roxtons has its sights set on moving its Hungerford branch to the High Street.

Plans have been submitted to allow a formal change of use for the ground floor at the former TSB Bank at number 118.

A design and access statement prepared on the company's behalf states: "Roxtons, a well‐known and well‐established local business, currently operates from premises on Bridge Street."

"They need to relocate due to their lease expiring on March 1, 2022."

Roxtons describes itself as "a retailer of clothing for both men and women, lifestyle accessories and gifts, shooting, polo and country clothing."

Established in Hungerford in 1979, the brand has expanded over the past four decades adding more shops in Haslemere in Surrey, Alresford, Hampshire, and in Stockbridge, Hampshire.

The statement prepared on Roxtons' behalf adds: "As the site is in the Hungerford Conservation Area designated in 1974, any proposal needs to reflect its character.

"The application includes the alteration of the front elevation to enable Roxtons to have a disabled level entrance and be separate from the access to the upper floors."

Hungerford Town Council's environment and planning committee, which discussed the application on Monday night, October 11, has formally supported the application in its advisory role.

The TSB branch in the High Street was one of 164 across the country closed as the bank cuts costs.

In October last year a TSB spokesperson said: “We’ve looked carefully at our Hungerford branch and how it is used, and we’ve taken the decision to close it.

“The way customers bank with us is rapidly evolving with the vast majority of everyday transactions now being done digitally."

The change of use application can be viewed in full, and commented on, by visiting the planning section of West Berkshire Council's website and using the reference 21/02368/FUL.