A NEW Changing Places toilet could be opened in Andover town centre, under plans by the borough council. 

A planning application submitted by Test Valley Borough Council was discussed by Andover Town Council's planning committee at a meeting at The Lights on Tuesday, January 2.

The plans outline a part change of use at 71 High Street in Andover, formerly the bookmakers William Hill, for the provision of a Changing Places toilet facility.

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A Changing Places toilet aims to give those with limited mobility a facility to use with specialist equipment to help people either use the toilet or change as necessary.

The application added that it had engaged with the local enablement network, which is made up from several organisations which support people with disabilities, with a survey undertaken by the community engagement manager at borough council from late October to early November 2023.

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There were 12 responses to the key question of support for a changing places toilet and 11 out of 12 were in favour.

The property has been vacant since January 2022 when the previous tenant exercised a Break Notice and it has been actively marketed by Smith Price retail agents on behalf of the council. 

Members of the planning committee had no objection to the application.

There is currently a Changing Places facility at Unity’s office near Andover Bus Station, with another open at Finkley Down Farm.