A discount retailer is hoping to move into the site of a former Halfords, it has been revealed.

The bike shop at Eddington Business Park in Herne Bay closed in September after the chain moved to a site in Whitstable.

A bid has since been launched to convert the vacant premises into a store selling food, drink, baby products, furniture and health and beauty items.

Planning documents submitted to Canterbury City Council by development firm WSP Indigo say a discount chain will probably move into the premises if the local authority gives the go-ahead to the proposals.

They said: “As it stands, the applicant has a prospective tenant who wishes to occupy the unit but this tenant requires the ability to sell food.

“Although they wish to be unnamed until planning permission has been secured, they are keen to operate in this location as they are currently not represented within this catchment area.

“The prospective tenant is a discount retailer and will only operate from out of centre locations due to the types of products sold and the discounts offered."

The proposed store is expected to create as many as 50 jobs.

WSP Indigo also says the plans were discussed with the local authority earlier this year.

It added: “The proposals would ensure that a unit within a well-established retail park does not stay vacant.

“The products sold by the prospective tenant are not commonly found on the high street and are offered only at a discount.

"We therefore believe there will be no impact on the high street.”

The leasehold for the site is owned by Homebase, which has a branch next door to the former Halfords.

The car parts retailer moved to a site at Prospect Retail Park two months ago.

Plans to open the new store, along with a Pets at Home, were given the green light by the city council’s planning committee last year.

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