The building formerly used by Warwicks in Wellingborough’s High Street has been converted into separate shop units, with a possibly breach of planning prompting an investigation by the council.

Warwicks closed its doors in June 2025 after being in business since 1868, and had stood vacant until its sale this summer to a London-based developer.

Since then, renovations have taken place to turn the 7,307 sq ft shop, which was once a corner unit on the High Street and Church Street, into six separate units, numbered from 33 to 38 High Street.

Last day in the High Street for historic Wellingborough shop as owners say goodb...

Warwicks was sold to a London-based developer this summer

However, North Northants Council was made aware of ‘possible breaches’ to planning law.

A council spokesman said: “The council has been made aware of possible breaches of planning at the former Warwick’s building in Wellingborough.

“Council officers have visited the property and are seeking further information from the owner.

“This includes information about any works undertaken, occupation of the premises and the intended use of the building.

“The matter remains under investigation, while the council receives and reviews the information requested, and the case is being handled in line with the council's planning enforcement procedures. No planning enforcement notice has been issued at this stage.

Warwicks was a much-loved family-run retailer which had been a staple of Wellingborough town centre for 157 years until it closed due to the retirement of its owner, Neil Warwick.

Currently there are no plans submitted for a change of use to the space though the first unit, now listed as 33 High Street, Wellingborough, had been listed for auction with a guide price of £60,000, where it was noted that the space consisted of ‘a terrace shop and upper part requiring modernisation.’

The listing has since been withdrawn.