Grove: New bookshop could be built in Millbrook Square

A planning application for a patch of grass at Millbrook Square, opposite school lane on the end of the parade of shops, has been submitted to the Vale of White Horse District Council.

The applicant has proposed building a new retail store as a designated stationery book store to serve the town and nearby Millbrook School.

The patch of land where the new shop is proposed (Image: Costwolds Residential Design Ltd)

The new building would be attached to the existing parade of shops next to the unit currently occupied by a Costa coffee shop and a Turkish barbers.

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Making a submission on behalf of the applicant firm Cotswold Residential Design Ltd said: “The book and stationery shop will produce a neighbourhood hub and foster a strong sense of local community which we feel will bring great benefits to the community who will use it.”

It added that the new store would “add to customer choice and contribute to the provision of a diverse retail offer” and provide “much needed” book and stationary retail in the town.

Plans for the design of the shop indicate it would be built out of matching brickwork to match the existing retail and residential units on Millbrook Square, with a shop frontage onto School Lane.

It adds that the side door at 14 Millbrook Square, with access to the Turkish Barbers, “does not have the relevant consents so the proposals will be to remove and infill this access door”.