THE LONG-awaited arrival of John Lewis in Brighton is set to move a step closer but customers will still have to be patient.

The department store has announced it intends to submit a planning application in the next few months to pave the way for its move into the Boots store in North Street.

However the company’s bosses have curbed enthusiasm by warning shoppers that an opening is still a “long way off”.

The country’s biggest mutual ended a decade-long search for a Brighton site when it purchased the Boots store in March last year.

But Boots currently has a lease that expires in 2018 and a deal to move out early is considered unlikely by city property experts with few suitable alternative sites available.

It is also anticipated that John Lewis may have to expand into neighbouring stores and even build an additional floor to create the desired floorspace usually found in its stores – moves that could take up to a year to complete.

A John Lewis spokeswoman said: "John Lewis has held a long term ambition to have a presence in Brighton.

“Although a shop opening is a long way off, we will be consulting local people, retail, business and community organisations over the coming months on our proposals and aim to reveal our plans in due course.

“Our aim is to submit a planning application later this year."

A Boots spokeswoman said: "Boots has been based on North Street for over 110 years, helping the people of Brighton to feel good through our pharmacy, healthcare and beauty offer.

“We remain committed to Brighton and are currently looking at several alternative locations for our flagship store in the town.”

Council leader Warren Morgan said: “I’m really pleased to have been able to work with John Lewis on bringing forward plans for a store in Brighton, something I know residents will welcome and something I think is a huge vote of confidence for the city.

“Shopping in Brighton and Hove is a key economic driver, supporting local jobs and attracting visitors so a new store opening of this calibre will help raise the profile of our vibrant retail sector and serve as a flagship addition to the region’s retail draw.”