Home Bargains has revealed full details of its plans to move into the former Central England Co-op building in Coalville - after submitting an application to North West Leicestershire District Council.

Planning permission has been requested by Liverpool-based T J Morris Limited - which operates as discount store Home Bargains across the country,

The company says in a report to the council that it wants to raise its profile in the town.

Home Bargains' application says it plans: "Reconfiguration and refurbishment of existing retail unit, comprising external alterations, including new shop front and customer entrance feature, trolley corral, revised parking layout, external display area, secure compound with forklift truck shed and associated works - Leicestershire Co Op Superstore, Bridge Road, Coalville."

The company already has a branch in Coalville - situated in the Belvoir Shopping Centre .

There is no mention of this site, but the company has told the council that this scheme will create jobs - as well as keeping the Bridge Road building as a retail outlet.

Home Bargains says it wants to take over from two retailers - Iceland and New Life - when their leases at the site run out.

The plans also explain that the company would demolish part of the current building which was vacated by the Co-op two and half years ago due 'decline in sales'.

The main business of TJ Morris is Home Bargains, which had 575 stores in the United Kingdom as of last month.

It is the trading name of TJ Morris Ltd, stocking up to 4,000 branded product lines, and employing over 22,000 people from head office staff to warehouse and shop staff.

A letter to council planners says: "The proposals look to reconfigure and refurbish an existing retail unit to meet the requirements of Home Bargains.

"The result is a smaller retail unit with a new external sales area.

"The proposed external changes, whilst relatively modest in nature will secure the long-term occupancy of a well-established retail destination retaining and creating jobs."

Home Bargains has a branch in the Belvoir Shopping Centre

A further report submitted to the council says there would be 'an external ancillary garden centre' as well as the reconfiguration of the internal layout and car park..

In its letter to North West Leicestershire planners, Home Bargains adds: "The site is a well-established retail destination within Coalville, currently in use as a subdivided retail unit with two occupiers on expired or soon to be expired leases.

"Iceland occupies most of the floorspace and has a lease expiry in August 2023, and New Life who occupy a small part of the building and have an expiry lease.

"This application comprises a package of works that will reconfigure and refurbish the retail unit to suit the trading requirement of national retailer discount retailer, Home Bargains.

"The proposed works will allow the building to be refurbished to a high standard in order for Home Bargains to re-occupy this prominent retail unit.

"Home Bargains has a pressing need to strengthen their existing offer in Coalville.

"The planning application is modest in nature.

PLans have been submitted to North West Leicestershire District Council

"The retail use is well established and the proposals result in a significant reduction in overall retail floorspace.

"The proposal is however significant in terms of the benefits that will be derived should permission be granted.

"This supporting statement indicates planning permission should be granted without delay."

The letter gives details of how the development will be managed.

It adds: "The proposals represent a comprehensive refurbishment package, comprised chiefly of demolition of the rear third of the building to make way for an external sales area and secure compound.

"The existing unit will be re-roofed and re-clad along with delivery of a new entrance feature.

"Crucially, the proposals result in a 1,055 square metre reduction in floorspace. The unit will be reduced from 3,206 square metres to 2,151 square metres."