PLANS to transform Ledbury's Homebase into a Home Bargains have been revealed. 

The move, if greenlit, would bring 'significantly more' jobs to the area when compared with the current Homebase store, according to Home Bargains. 

The unit is currently occupied by Homebase, however, the lease is up and a new one has not been agreed upon.

Home Bargains have since bought the lease, having seen it as an 'appropriate location' to open a new store.  

A spokesperson for Homebase said while the firm didn't have a confirmed closing date, it wouldn't be until next year. 

READ MORE- 'Family first' as Carsley's Breakfast and Grill to close

READ MORE- Brown tap water on Howsell Road

TJ Morris Limited, which Home Bargains is the trading arm of, has submitted a planning application to Herefordshire Council with a view to making the Home Bargains a reality. 

If opened, the proposed store is set to generate up to 100 full and part-time jobs, with most of these set to be available to local people. 

A spokesperson for Home Bargains said there would be a 'significant increase' in the number of jobs compared to those on offer at Homebase. 

Should planning permission be granted, current Homebase staff will be given the chance to apply for a position at the Home Bargains store. 

The application adds, as well as jobs in the store, other employment opportunities would be created such as cleaning and security. 

The application looks to give Home Bargains the chance to sell a wider range of goods, as well as a 'comprehensive refurbishment' of the existing building. 

The works would see the outside lobby removed, a new shopfront and entrance feature added, and new fencing and gates to the service yard. 

The outside display area would also be reconfigured to create a new holding area and additional car and cycle parking along with a sub-station. 

A public consultation began on Thursday, June 20 and will run until Thursday, July 11. 

The outcome of the application is expected to be determined by Wednesday, August 14. 

The move from Home Bargains comes as part of its plans to expand its number of UK-based stores from more than 600 to over 1,200, employing over 40,000 staff. 

Currently, the nearest existing Home Bargains stores to Ledbury are in Hereford, Worcester and Gloucester, at least 20 kilometres away from the mooted site. 

Visit www.herefordshire.gov.uk/info/200142/planning_services/planning_application_search/details? to have your say.