A NATIONAL discount retail chain which is set to open its biggest branch in Colchester next month has put in new plans for signs after its last bid was rejected.

Home Bargains, which is opening a store at the former B&Q site in Lightship Way next month, has applied to Colchester Council to set up new signs for the business.

Previously, TJ Morris Limited, the parent company of Home Bargains had put in an application for new signs, but Colchester Council refused the application.

This was because the “significant number of signs” and their designs contradicted multiple sections of the Local Plan Policy – they were ruled “excessively dominant” and “unsatisfactory”.

Site - the ex-B&Q in Lightship WaySite - the ex-B&Q in Lightship Way (Image: Steve Brading)

However, not deterred, another planning application for “retail signs” has been submitted by the parent company.

On the storefront side of the building, the business is hoping to add a Springex 140mm aluminium box section where the Home Bargains sign will be placed.

Not too far away on another wall would be two more aluminium box which would display a ‘GardenWorld at Home Bargains’, and ‘Café at Home Bargains’ signs,

The garden centre signage would be placed directly above the café signage.

Signage - an example of Home Bargains signs at the branch in Turner Rise Retail ParkSignage - an example of Home Bargains signs at the branch in Turner Rise Retail Park (Image: Newsquest)

On the South East side of the building, a ‘HappyGardening’ non-illuminated vinyl graphic is hoped to be applied to a 3mm panel, which would be located above an entrance to the garden centre area

To support the bid, a Essex Highways letter in the attached documents section of the planning application, reveals that the highway authority has no comments to make on the proposal.

The brand-new store will be set over 34,000 sq ft and is expected to create up to 100 jobs.

It will feature a bakery, in-store café and large garden centre.

Store - the entrance to the Home Bargains at Turner Rise Retail ParkStore - the entrance to the Home Bargains at Turner Rise Retail Park (Image: Newsquest)

Home Bargains is currently looking for three new members to join its team before it opens on August 24.

The roles are for the store, garden centre area, and the café and bakery, applications close on July 10.

This will be the second Home Bargains in Colchester, as it already has a store located in Turner Rise Retail Park.

The planning application is still waiting for an answer from Colchester Council.