The Range Applies to Take on Closing Homebase Unit in Barnstaple

The Range has submitted a planning application to change the use and restrictions of the closing Homebase store site in Barnstaple, North Devon.

The Rose Lane store in Barnstaple was not one of 42 Homebase branches that the business confirmed it was planning to close in August of this year as part of a proposed Company Voluntary Arrangement (CVA).  

At the end of August, over 95% of Homebase creditors voted in favour of the CVA in a bid to save the company.  The former owner, Australia's Wesfarmers, had said that the investment in Homebase had been disappointing, and sold the business to investment company Hilco in June of this year.

The planning statement said: “The demand from The Range for retail representation in Barnstaple is immediate, and subject to the grant of planning permission, it is anticipated that The Range could occupy and trade the unit within six months of permission being granted.”

If successful, The Range is likely to employ between 80 and 85 members of staff and will sell a variety of home, household and leisure goods. 

Hilco has recently appointed Ian Topping to the position of non-executive chairman of Homebase, in the hope that he will help deliver a turnaround for the business.

The Range's plans are available to review here and the consultation ends on November 16, after which North Devon Council planners will decide whether to allow the proposed changes.

Source : Insight DIY Team

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