The opening of a long-awaited Marks & Spencer's Foodhall in Northampton has moved another step closer.

A new planning application submitted to West Northamptonshire Council (WNC) seeks permission for a series of advertising signs at the approved M&S Foodhall at Riverside Retail Park.

The application is the latest sign of progress at the former Homebase unit, where workers are currently fitting out part of the building ahead of the store's opening.

The Foodhall was approved by WNC in March after spending almost two years in the planning system.

The opening of Marks & Spencer's long-awaited Northampton Foodhall at Riverside Retail Park has moved another step closer after fresh plans were submitted for signs at the new store.

placeholder image — The opening of Marks & Spencer's long-awaited Northampton Foodhall at Riverside Retail Park has moved another step closer after fresh plans were submitted for signs at the new store.

The proposals were first submitted in May 2024 but were delayed by highways concerns and an objection from Tesco, which argued the store could affect trade at its supermarket in Weston Favell.

Planning permission was eventually granted after councillors backed the scheme, with officers saying it would bring new jobs, investment and greater retail choice to Northampton.

The approved store will include around 16,000 sq ft of retail space, an in-store bakery, M&S's signature cheese bar and a click-and-collect service. The retailer has previously said it expects the Foodhall to create up to 70 full and part-time jobs.

During the planning process, highways concerns raised by WNC and National Highways were addressed through proposals for an ‘intelligent traffic signal system’ at the Ferris Road junction. Planning papers said the technology would manage traffic queues and signal timings "to benefit the users of Ferris Road as a whole, not just M&S shoppers". The upgrade must be completed before the new Foodhall can open.

When the plans were considered, M&S said the Foodhall would be "a modern, fit for the future" store and highlighted its wider investment in Northampton, including its planned £340 million food distribution centre.

Although work is continuing on site, an opening date has yet to be announced.

Chronicle & Echo has approached Marks & Spencer on multiple occasions for an update on the project and a likely opening date but has not yet received a response.

The latest application is expected to be decided by WNC by August 31.