A BETTING chain has lodged an application to open a new shop on Andover's high street. 

Paddy Power is seeking permission to covert the former Boots store at 27 High Street into a betting shop. 

Boots ceased trading in the premises in June 2020 and since then the unit has remained vacant. 

The planing application states: "The priniciple of the proposed change of use to a licensed betting office is acceptable in this location and the proposals will enhance both the vitality and viability of Andover town centre. 

"The proposal involves the bringing back of a long-standing vacant unit into beneficial use, which will lead to improvements to the appearance, and accessibility of the frontage, increased footfall, and linked trips to other facilities and services in the area." 

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The building has Grade Two listed status, meaning that building work and alterations cannot be carried out without written consent from the planning authority. 

Alongside requesting “change of use from Class E to a betting shop”, the company has proposed several external alterations to the shop.

The alterations include the installation of four external air condenser units and two satellite dishes, alongside other “associated works”.

Paddy Power is an international betting and gaming group which was founded in Ireland in 1998.

More information about the application can be found by visiting view-applications.testvalley.gov.uk/online-applications and entering reference 22/02180/FULLN.