Former TG Jones shop closer to becoming Rituals Cosmetics

Planning officers at East Riding of Yorkshire Council approved an application for alterations to the existing shopfront, including redecoration, at the former WHSmith bookshop in Toll Gavel, Beverley.

The plans were put forward by Rituals Cosmetics UK Limited for redecoration works including a new fascia and replacing advertising displays at the former TG Jones bookshop, closed in the summer as part of a major restructuring programme aimed at securing the chain's long-term future.

The York TG Jones, at 39-41 Coney Street closed on Monday, October 19 after weeks of winding down the former WHSmith store, which occupied the site for decades.

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Toll Gavel is one of the main shopping routes between Saturday Market and Wednesday Market in the town.

Rituals has applied for planning permission to redecorate and install advertising in 6-8 Toll Gavel in Beverley, on the site of TG Jones bookshop (Image: East Riding of Yorkshire Council planning)

Both market spaces are described in the council’s assessment of the plans as key open spaces in Beverley’s history.

The council said the site is in a prominent and sensitive location because of its position within the conservation area and its proximity to listed buildings.

Rituals is a Dutch-founded luxury beauty and wellbeing brand selling products including body care, fragrances and home products.

Founded in Amsterdam in 2000, the business has expanded internationally and now has almost 1,500 boutiques, alongside a presence in more than 4,500 department stores and luxury perfumeries across 33 countries.

Shoppers are offered personalised consultations, events, seasonal gift wrapping and a loyalty programme which has more than 41 million members worldwide.

Conservation officers found that the existing signage made a negative contribution to the area because the fascia and lettering were larger than signage usually found in Beverley.

The proposed replacement would be of a smaller scale and a different design and would not be illuminated, the plans said.

The council’s assessment said the shopfront works were modest and traditional.

It concluded they would preserve the character and appearance of the conservation area and would not harm the setting of nearby listed buildings.

The changes were also considered to improve the building’s appearance in the street.