Uncertainty remains over the future use of a famous former bike shop in Bath despite a planning application being approved.

Future Heritage Group Ltd has had its application to change the use of the premises, formerly occupied by John Bikes, at 84 Walcot Street until last November, approved by Bath and North East Somerset Council.

The proposal was to: "The applicant is seeking permission for change of use of the property from retail (Use Class A1) to flexible use for a period of 10 years to Use Class A1 (retail), A2 (Professional and Financial Services), D1 (Non-Residential Institution) or B1 (Office)."

An inside shot of John's Bikes which closed after 40 odd years

BANES approved this application last week, however, it is not certain what will replace the old bike shop - which once raked in £1million a year.

According to a document put together by planning consultancy Turley, the property is a Grade II listed building.

Turley says the application only relates to the ground floor and lower floor of the building and that the existing residential use of the upper floors will not be changed.

The shop is moving into this street, Walcot Street, in Bath

The application sets out plans to change of use of the property from retail, sometimes referred to as Class A1, to a more varied use.

This could still be for retail (A1), or professional and financial services (A2), an office (B1) or a non-residential institution (D1).

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The latter counts as clinics, health centres, crèches, day nurseries, day centres, schools, art galleries (other than for sale or hire), museums, libraries, halls, places of worship, church halls or a law court.

Turley adds that this proposal will now create any new build floorspace and no physical alterations are anticipated.

Got a view on this or another Bath story? Email richard.mills@reachplc.com.

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