Plans reveal former Cleveleys Poundland could become new Specsavers store

Plans have been submitted to transform the former Poundland store in Cleveleys into a new Specsavers branch.

The application, lodged with Wyre Council, relates to the vacant retail unit at 75 Victoria Road West, which closed earlier this year.

According to planning documents, the proposal includes the removal of an entrance canopy at the front of the building as part of works to prepare the unit for its new occupier.

The applicant is listed as Specsavers Optical Stores UK, based in Nottingham.

A design and access statement confirms the premises will remain in retail use, with the former discount store set to be converted into a Specsavers.

There is already a Specsavers store on Victoria Road West, located just a few units away from the former Poundland site.

The statement says the existing canopy is “not required” for the new business and describes it as a “poor quality design” that has “deteriorated significantly”.

It adds that removing the structure would improve the appearance of the building and make the entrance more prominent within the street scene.

“The canopy design does not really enhance the building or the street scene. It is a modern ‘eye sore’,” the document states.

No major structural changes are proposed, with the works described as minor alterations. Pedestrian and vehicle access to the property will remain unchanged.

The application was received on March 25 and validated on April 13, and is currently pending consideration by Wyre Council.

The development follows the closure of Poundland at the site earlier this year. The retailer shut its doors on March 23 after launching a clearance sale, citing an inability to secure lease terms to continue trading at the location.

At the time, the company said the closure was part of “business-as-usual lease events” and not linked to wider restructuring, and confirmed there were no plans to relocate elsewhere in the area.

Specsavers has been approached for comment.