WINCHESTER planners have resisted a proposal to radically alter an edge of town superstore in order to protect the city centre. City councillors say proposals by Royal London, for the Homebase store on Easton Lane, would damage the vitality of the High Street. Homebase oppose the application and says it wants to remain on the site with a new lease signed at the end of 2019 running until the end of 2024. Royal London said they will not try to change the store with Homebase there but were future proofing the site. Royal London submitted four applications: to change the planning condition from bulky goods to a more general retail; covering over the garden centre and converting it into another shop; enlarging the mezzanine floor, creating another unit; and a standalone pod , suitable for a coffee shop in the car park.