A Wiltshire brewery’s plans for a new town centre shop have been partially approved.

In September, Wiltshire Council gave Wadworth the green light to convert an empty unit, next to the Three Crowns pub on Maryport Street, Devizes, into a retail outlet.

Wadworth plans to open the new town centre store to replace its former Brewery Tap and Shop at the historic Northgate Street site, which closed after the business relocated to Folly Road.

While a change of use application has been approved, giving the project a boost, Wiltshire Council is still considering two further applications related to the planned store.

As part of the renovation of the unit, Wadworth is still seeking planning permission to decorate the external front façade of the building and to add painted lettering and a digital sign.

A decision deadline of November 13 has been set for Wiltshire Council to determine these plans.

READ MORE: Brewery reveals plans for town centre shop as 'pop up' launched

The current unit in DevizesThe current unit in Devizes (Image: Wadworth) In June, Wadworth opened a pop up venture at The Bear Hotel in Devizes Market Place, which it planned to continue running until the permanent store opens later this year.

The brewery has previously emphasised that it is “vital” for the business to maintain a retail presence in Devizes, due to high demand for its products.

In its design and access statement, a spokesperson added: “Wadworth has been a feature in Devizes for nearly 150 years and, due to the closure of the Northgate site, a new home for the retail outlet needed to be found within the centre of Devizes.

“The retail outlet at Northgate Street was established over 10 years ago and was a popular attraction within the town for locals and tourists alike.

“It is vital that Wadworth maintains a presence within Devizes and in particular, the centre of town.

“Continued daily visits to the closed Northgate site, and the Brewery at Folly Road, by locals wanting to buy beer, shows demand continues for a local outlet.

“The shop will provide a place where loyal customers can fulfil their shopping needs.”

The proposed site for the new retail outlet was in use as a cafe known as Emily’s Tea Rooms until around 10 years ago.

The rear of the ground floor and the upper floor has since been used as temporary accommodation for Wadworth employees while the front room has been disused, other than for occasional storage uses.

Wadworth says converting this space into a retail unit would “breathe new life into an empty historical building and enhance the wider retail area.”