Westminster Council has granted conditional approval for a two-storey food court at the former BHS store on Oxford Street, W1.
Try Market Halls plans to redevelop the north and west parts of the site, at 9 Holles Street, which have been vacant since 2016.
The plans would convert part of the ground, first and second floors into a 30,225 sq ft food court comprising elements of restaurant, bar and hot food takeaway.
They also plan to use of part of the ground floor as a gym (Class D2), with 1Rebel touted as a likely tenant for the space.
Meanwhile, external alterations at second-floor level would include a retractable roof, installation of plant at roof level and associated works.
Council planners have conditionally recommended the proposals for approval ahead of a committee meeting on 12 March.
The council said: “In normal circumstances, existing Item No. 1 retail floorspace in this location would be protected. However, it is considered that there are special circumstances in this case to justify the change of use, which include being set back from the primary frontage and the provision of a complementary use that would support the shopping function.
“A further consideration is that the City Council has recently adopted the Oxford Street District Plan, which indicates that planning policies may be relaxed to achieve a better mix of uses, while policies may also provide a more positive approach to the evening and night time economy.”
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