A PLANNING application has officially been lodged with Shropshire Council to confirm that mobile phone giant Vodafone will be opening a shop in Oswestry.

The application, lodged with Shropshire Council’s north Shropshire planning committee, is for a store in Bailey Street towards the junction with Cross Street, where there are already mobile phone shops in place.

The store was previously a card shop, but there is a notice in the door window telling customers they have now ceased trading, and the plans submitted to Shropshire Council shows Vodafone will be looking to take over the store.

However, the phone company has previously denied they are taking over the shop but a report prepared for the council states they will be.

The plans proposed are to erect and display one illuminated fascia sign and one illuminated projecting sign with downlights.

The report, prepared by Katie Ronald for Easton Bervins, said: “Vodafone have recently taken a lease in 5 Bailey Street, Oswestry, which is situated on a busy, pedestrianised high street within the heart of the Oswestry Town Centre Conservation Area.

“The building is not listed, but is in close proximity to the Grade I-listed Llwyd Mansion.”

It concludes: “The shopfront design is sympathetic to the building and co-ordinates well with the unit’s immediate neighbours.

"Its refurbishment and occupancy will have a positive impact on the surrounding amenity space.

The application should therefore be supported by the Planning Department.”

Vodafone’s application will be heard by the north Shropshire Planning Committee after the consultation period closes on August 13 and for any further information, head to Shropshire Council planning portal.