DEPARTMENT store Austins’ plans to expand into the former Marks & Spencer building are moving apace as it submits an application to replace the existing shopfront to match its iconic frontage.

Received on November 26 and validated on December 8, the application - reference 25/01965/FUL - is seeking permission from Teignbridge District Council to change the design of the former M&S shopfront at 10-10A Courtenay Street to match that of the adjoining Austins store.

The M&S closed in 2014, and the property remained vacant for years before the lease was acquired by The Department of Work and Pensions (DWP) in October 2021.

Anticipating an increase in demand following the COVID-19 pandemic and the end of the furlough scheme, the DWP converted the property into a temporary job centre, though the need for such a facility did not materialise.

As such, the property remained vacant until November 2025; Austin acquired the property in 2022, but were unable to take occupation until the expiry of the DWP’s lease.

And with the lease having recently expired, the popular department store took possession of the building in November, allowing Austins to move ahead with its plans to expand.

The design and access statement says: ‘The first part of the project is the removal of all remaining asbestos materials part of which were cleared previously by DWP.

‘The internal alterations to form the new retail space will proceed in the new year following the asbestos removal and will be completed for an opening by September 2026.

‘The new main entrance to the store is effectively level from Courtenay Street.

‘There will be a link between the new retail space and Austins main store and the level difference between the two floors will be accommodated by a ramp and steps constructed to the appropriate standards.

‘The original pedestrian exit from the rear of the store will be retained together with a rear service entrance/exit to the large side service yard’.

Teignbridge District Council are due to make a decision by February 2, 2026 by the latest.

For more information, and to view the documents in detail, visit the council’s planning portal and enter ‘25/01965/FUL’ into the search-box.