Beds and mattress retailer Bensons for Beds has confirmed that it has no plans to vacate its store in Chippenham following the emergence of a planning application by the site’s owner.

Aegon UK Property Fund, owners of the Hathaway Retail Park in Chippenham, has submitted planning documents to Wiltshire Council that aims to change the use of the building to mixed restaurant and takeaway use.

The unit is currently occupied by Bensons for Beds, with the retailer stating it is “aware” of the application but has “no plans” to move.

The application, which doesn’t identify a future tenant if the plans were approved, but does indicate that if given the green light, it would be the site’s first eat-in venue.

The document states: “The proposal seeks to provide greater flexibility within the use class to re-let the unit and also provide a broader range of uses within the wider side, adding to the retail and leisure offering.

“It is noted that the proposal provides for a restaurant on site, whilst also allowing for takeaway. This allows customers to dine in, or takeaway, at the customer’s choice.

“This will allow a number of joint and linked trips to the retail park and help strengthen the range and diversity of retail offerings in this location, further enhancing the site’s overall vitality and viability.

“The proposal will help diversify the retail park, increasing the retail offer, whilst providing additional jobs. The change of use will facilitate an increase in employment opportunities within the site.”