DEPARTMENT store Austins’ plans to expand into the former Marks & Spencer building have been met with widespread support by the Newton Abbot community.

Having reached more than 30,000 people, the Mid-Devon Advertiser’s report detailing the beloved department store’s plans to change the former M&S shopfront at 10-10A Courtenay Street to match that of the adjoining Austins store has seen many hundreds of positive comments.

‘Fabulous - the town is lucky to have Austins’, said one.

‘Great news! Love shopping in Austins’, said another.

‘Fantastic news! Thank you Austins for your longstanding commitment to the town and community’, said one.

‘Good news. Austins have to be applauded for their commitment and investment in the town’, said another.

In a post to its Facebook page, Austins said: ‘Thank you from all of us for the many kind comments.

‘We are thrilled to be expanding into the former M&S building and look forward to welcoming everyone once the work is complete’.

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 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.

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.