New furniture store plan for Octagon House Binfield sent to Bracknell Forest

Octagon House, part of Phoenix Business Park on John Nike Way, could be transformed after being empty for four years.

READ MORE: Can you help police track down suspect BMW?

Lexus left the building in 2015 but now applicants have earmarked the site for a new furniture showroom.

Developers have seen two plans for new homes at the site thrown out in recent years.

In 2016, designers wanted to build 26 new apartments but this proposal was refused.

READ MORE: Five stories you may have missed last week

Another plan submitted a year later proposed 60 new homes, but this was also dismissed by Bracknell Forest Council (BFC) planning bosses.

Now developers say “it is clear the only viable option” for the building would be for it to become a retail unit instead of housing or office space.

Developers wrote in a planning statement: “It is deemed that this change of use does not affect the surrounding area adversely and should be viewed as a positive addition to the local community.

READ MORE: How Bracknell voted in the last six general elections

“Bringing a vacant unit into gainful use and allowing a new retail unit, which provides economic investment into the local economy should be looked upon favourably by the council.”

Up to fifteen new jobs could be created if BFC chiefs give the plans the go-ahead.

Opening hours proposed for the new store are from 9 am to 7 pm Monday to Friday, until 5 pm on Saturdays, and from 10 am to 4 pm on Sundays.

Planning documents do not outline which furniture store company could be moving to Bracknell Forest if proposals go through.

BFC development bosses are currently considering the application.