A new business is coming to Welwyn Garden City's Howard Centre, after planning applications were made for an empty unit.
Unit 32 has stood empty since the departure of Burton and Dorothy Perkins, but it finally looks set to have a new occupier.
A planning application has been submitted to Welwyn Hatfield Borough Council by Black Sheep Coffee, which plans to subdivide the unit and create an outdoor terrace.
"The intention is to subdivide the space into two separate units, Unit 32, subject to this application, and Unit 32A, which is currently vacant," the application reads.
"This application seeks planning permission for external works to the west elevation and the addition of external terrace seating, on existing hardstanding, in front of the site.
"The proposed minor physical works to the principal elevation are required in order to facilitate the refurbishment of the retail unit to enhance the overall appearance and enable the re-letting of a vacant unit to a new tenant, to be used as a coffee shop.
"The proposal includes the provision of an external terrace seating area, in front of the new entrance to the unit, which will measure 21.6 sqm.
"The area will be enclosed with new metal balustrading with tenant branded fabric inserts to provide a small seating area, set out in a tidy, co-ordinated manner.
"The addition of an outdoor area will enhance the offer at the Howard Centre, enabling people to sit outside and enjoy the existing public realm and landscape offer in front of the site."
Black Sheep Coffee was founded in 2013, and has since expanded to more than 50 locations across the UK.
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