It is one of the biggest questions on Watford shoppers' lips – when will we know what is replacing John Lewis?

Thousands were left dismayed when it closed in the summer of 2020 and there have been several false dawns ever since.

But this week, an official planning application was submitted by Atria Watford to the borough council relating to the former John Lewis site.

Unfortunately for those desperate for news, it doesn't tell us that much, but it does give us an idea of the type of businesses that could eventually occupy the store.

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The application seeks to change the proposed use, which is currently just retail, to "retail, leisure, the sale of food and beverage for consumption (mostly) on the premises, and/or services offices".

"Therefore, the proposals do not constitute a material change in use and would not be defined as development," the application adds.

In layman's terms, it appears Atria wants to know what it can do with the site without needing planning permission. By changing the proposed use from just retail those options would widen.

The Watford Observer has asked Atria Watford for an update on whether any deals have been agreed for new businesses to move in.

It comes after at least two unnamed retailers were understood to be in "advanced talks" in the summer – but five months on nothing has materialised.

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