Boots the chemists could soon be opening at a large empty unit.

The national pharmacy chain has applied for planning permission to convert the former Carpetright store at Strood Retail Park in Commercial Road.

The company wants to adapt and upgrade the large building to suit its customers in the Towns.

A planning application submitted last month proposes to add parent and child car parking spaces.

It also requests permission to install a glazed canopy over the store entrance and metal cladding will be cleaned and redecorated to improve the appearance of the premises.

The building hit the headlines last November when 1,000 people packed in there for an illegal rave.

Up to 10 police vehicles were seen at the store as they closed the party down.

There is an existing Boots chemist and opticians in Strood High Street.

It is not yet known whether this will remain once the new store opens.

Carpetright moved out in 2018.

The health and beauty retailer, which has its own No7 range of products and also sells brand names, such as Hugo Boss and Fitbit, has been approached for comment.

The retail park is also home to Matalan, KFC, M&S Foodhall, Next, B&M and Starbucks.

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