SUPERMARKET chain Iceland has moved a step closer to opening a food store at Chester Retail Park.

The Deeside-based retailer wants to open up one of its 'Food Warehouse' branded stores at the former Mothercare unit, which had previously been eyed up by Smyths Toys.

Iceland has had an application for advertisement consent to install illuminated and non-illuminated signage at the vacant premises approved by Cheshire West and Chester Council.

The supermarket chain is now awaiting the green light from the authority for two separate planning applications before it can press ahead with its plans.

They include alterations to the unit as well as the installation of an air conditioning/refrigeration plant.

Chester and District Standard:

The unit previously occupied by Mothercare had appeared set to be taken over by toy retailer, Smyths Toys, after the company had a proposal for new illuminated signage at the front and rear of the store approved by the council in April.

But those plans never got off the ground and at the end of June Iceland lodged its planning and advertising consent applications for the premises.

In a council report recommending approval for the Food Warehouse signage, case officer Emily Reed states: "The application site is a retail unit on Chester Retail Park on Old Seals Way.

"The unit will be occupied by 'Food Warehouse' and the advertisements are associated with this. This application seeks advertisement consent for signs on the front and back of the unit as well as on the totem tenant signage at the front and side of the retail park.

"The adverts will be in similar locations to existing signage on the unit itself and others within the park.

"With the siting of the signs being in keeping with the park as a whole, and the signage including branding of 'Food Warehouse', it is considered to be acceptable."