A company's planning application suggests it may be moving into the former John Lewis atria Watford unit.

Watford shoppers have long awaited news of what business would take over the store after it closed in summer 2020.

A proposal for advertising consent submitted today (May 5) may well provide the answer, as Dunelm has applied for permission to install illuminated signs on the side of the building, near where the John Lewis signs used to be.

The signs would read “Dunelm The Home of Homes” in white lettering with the company logo, if approved by Watford Borough Council.

No proposals have been submitted for the interior of the store but the location for the plan (23/00400/ADV) is down as “Former John Lewis Atria Shopping Centre Watford WD17 2UB”.

Watford Observer: Where the signs would be (circled in red on an image from when the John Lewis signs were there)Where the signs would be (circled in red on an image from when the John Lewis signs were there) (Image: Google Street View)

The Watford Observer has previously reported that several “well-known high street brands” had been in advanced talks with atria Watford about the unit.

It was understood that more than one business was likely to move in to the one unit, which may still be the case.