A health food retailer is set to open a new store in a North Yorkshire town if plans get approval from the council.
The organic retailer Grape Tree plans to open a shop in Whitby at the site of a former Holland & Barrett store.
A full refurbishment and fit-out has been proposed for the prominently located store at 1-2, Sandgate, Whitby.
Grape Tree describes itself as “the UK’s fastest growing name in healthier eating” and has more than 190 stores across the nation.
Isabel Costa’s application for the site had been designed to “preserve the building’s historic fabric and visual significance,” according to submitted plans.
The existing building would be retained and alterations would be limited to repairs, the refurbishment of the shopfront, and internal fit-out works.
“Works are planned to minimise impact on the heritage asset and neighbouring properties. All interventions, including electrical, plumbing, flooring, and signage, are reversible where possible, ensuring the continued preservation of the building’s character,” the proposal states.
The proposed layout of the new store has been “carefully considered” to improve functional efficiency.
The applicant said that stockrooms, back-of-house areas, and staff facilities have been reconfigured to optimise workflow, while the sales floor layout maximises circulation space for customers.
Access considerations have also been integrated throughout the design and customer circulation would be unobstructed, entrances clearly defined, and fixtures positioned to allow free movement.
The applicant concluded: “The proposed refurbishment and fit-out provide a safe, functional, and visually coherent retail environment at 1-2 Sandgate, Whitby. The works respect the building’s context, enhance operational efficiency, and ensure safe and convenient access for all users, meeting current standards for fire safety, accessibility, and building regulations.”
North Yorkshire Council has not set a date for deciding on the application which is currently open to representations from members of the public.
