AN exterior facelift is to be carried out at a Marks and Spencer store in Cheshire.

It comes as the international retail chain saw benefit in investing in Warrington’s Gemini superstore.

Advertisement consent has been granted by Warrington Borough Council’s planning department after being sought by applicant Marks and Spencer PLC.

The Europa Boulevard store has already undergone extensive development inside, including a new food hall and café.

These latest plans are for the replacement of six illuminated fascia signs, each bearing either the M&S name or ‘food’ wording.

The application also sought permission for new vinyl stickering for the store’s 26 trolley bays, which are dotted around the car park.

Plans state: “As a company, M&S is continually reviewing its existing store estate, with the aim of improving or updating its stores in order to meet customer expectations.

“As a result of this process, the store at Gemini has been identified as a store which would benefit from investment as part of the company’s renewal programme.

“This involves the rebranding of the store to reflect national advertising campaigns.”

The plans stated that overall, the new signage would reflect the existing design and illumination levels, and so not adversely impacting public safety, or being a distraction to any road users.

Documents add: “Applications for advertisement consent can only be determined on the grounds of public safety and amenity.

“At a local level, the key policy consideration for signage is to encourage contextually sensitive design that does not impact highway safety.

“The proposed design for the replacement signage aligns with the policy requirements of the development plan.

“It will reinforce the brand identity of M&S food stores currently being rolled out nationally.

“The design is well suited to the setting of the store, and it will positively contribute to the visual amenity of the area, and will not have a detrimental impact on public safety.”