A STORE in Solihull let by the stricken retailer Laura Ashley could become a restaurant.
Laura Ashley is currently being run by its administrators after the furnishings company collapsed in March.
It is set to close all stores, including its Solihull outlet at 124 High Street, by August 28.
Planning officers have agreed to proposals from the shop’s landlords to allow its use as a cafe or restaurant.
The owners of the High Street shop now have more options for tenants after Solihull Council allowed change of use.
The council has allowed opening times from 8am to midnight, and any new kitchens must have ventilators and grease traps installed.
Laura Ashley, which has more than 150 shops, went into administration earlier this year.
Stores are open this month to sell off remaining stock, whilst the companies brand and online business have been split off.
The closure of stores is expected to result in the loss of around 1600 jobs.
While in administration, the pensions regulator has called in investigators as they believe a sale of company assets will not meet liabilities of over £162 million.
