Plans have been approved to carry out external works on an empty former Argos store in Stoke-on-Trent. The old Argos branch on Festival Park closed for good back in February last year.

StokeonTrentLive reported at the time how the retailer said it was looking to reduce the amount of 'standalone' Argos stores - and instead place a focus on opening inside branches of Sainsbury's. The latest plans for works on the vacant unit come after Stoke-on-Trent City Council recently rubber-stamped an application relating to "the removal of the existing mezzanine and installation of a new mezzanine within the unit".

Those illustrated plans simply show the space that would be offered on the first floor with a lift and staircase at the rear. Very little has been given away at just which retailer may be looking to take it on.

There is also no indication of a new tenant in the latest plans for external works, which have been lodged by Prudential Assurance, care of M&G Real Estate.

The planning application, submitted on its behalf by Savills, stated: "The works are considered to be minor and not contentious. The application proposes the following works: a new palisade fence plant enclosure at the rear of the unit; a replacement of an existing retaining wall and trolley bays with a new balustrade and trolley bay area to the right hand side of the entrance of the unit; the removal of an existing roller shutter door and two fire exits and the provision of new double service doors and two new fire exits to replace the doors removed; the replacement of existing security bollards at the front of the unit with five new bollards; the provision of a new lift overrun at roof top level; new paving at the building entrance. The works are part of a package of works to enhance the unit. They are of a minor nature and do not raise substantial considerations. We therefore conclude that the proposed works are appropriate and should be granted planning permission at the earliest opportunity."