The Range has revealed plans to fill Ashford's abandoned John Lewis store – just months after the prominent shop shut for good.

Bosses at the national homeware giant want to turn a section of the car park into a garden centre as part of a £1.2m investment into the two-storey unit.

They have submitted plans to Ashford Borough Council and say their scheme will create 95 jobs – including 65 full-time positions.

The company had previously been linked to a yet-to-be-built 'Drovers Retail Park' next to the John Lewis site, but chiefs say their "primary focus" is on "second-hand" units which have become empty.

The former Debenhams and M&S stores in the County Square shopping centre were considered, but neither was deemed suitable.

If approved, the 464 sq m outdoor garden centre will reduce the size of the car park by 16 spaces and be surrounded by a three-metre high fence.

Bosses also want to construct two cold stores in the rear service yard which will be used to house frozen and chilled goods.

In the shop itself, they hope the council will allow a "modest variation" in the range of goods allowed to be sold, which currently have to be within the bulky goods sector to protect the viability of the town centre.

Earlier this week, John Lewis confirmed its store will remain permanently shut, with former Ashford manager David Reid describing the closure as a "very sad occasion".

"Everyone who has ever worked here has shown incredible commitment, passion and that has continued throughout these challenging times," he said.

"I could not be more proud of them all and they will continue to be supported in every way possible.

"I would also like to express my sincere gratitude to our customers for their support and loyalty during our time here."

Home Bargains, which is currently based on the Warren Retail Park, is set to replace The Range on the 'Drovers Retail Park' site, joining a Costa Coffee drive-thru, vets and five other shops.

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