A major food giant could replace Folkestone’s B&Q store after its closure next year.

The DIY shop last week lodged a planning application to extend its Park Farm store, just months before its official closure.

The application submitted to Shepway District Council by B&Q and Madford Developments confirms that the “minor” extension will increase the shop floor space.

The retail statement, as part of the application, said: “The application is required to facilitate the reoccupation of the building following the closure of the B&Q store early in 2017.

“It forms part of a wider package of investment to ensure that the floorspace remains in productive economic use and retains employment positions at the site.”

The retail document, which is 48 pages long, indicates that a replacement store will stock clothes for all ages, food and newspapers and that its direct competition will be with Sainsbury’s and Home Bargains, also within the industrial estate.

However, there has been no confirmation of a name, supermarkets Waitrose and Aldi denying any plans to come to Folkestone.

M&S Simply Food has remained tight-lipped about plans for that specific site but said it was interested in Folkestone for a future store.

An M&S spokesman said: “We are always looking for new store locations so that we can best serve our customers.

“While we are interested in bringing a store to the Folkestone area, we don’t have any further details to confirm at present.”

It is understood a decision regarding the extension will be made by December this year.

A spokesman from B&Q said: “In December 2015 we announced that B&Q Folkestone would be closing.

“We are aware that the landlord has submitted a planning application to widen the range of goods that can be sold from the property following our store closure.

“We are working closely with our store team during this time and will endeavour to find alternative positions for as many staff as possible.”