HOME Bargains is set to receive the go-ahead for a long-awaited Co Derry store, which could create as many as 60 jobs.
The proposed Limavady outlet, on the cards for almost two years, is recommended for approval at next week's meeting of Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council planning committee.
The application for development, first submitted in September 2017, is for a new store on a derelict site in the Market Yard area of the town centre.
The plans for the 22,000 sq ft site at the rear of Catherine Street and Linenhall Street, also include a 148-space car park, a service yard, as well as a new access road and entrance.
According to the application 60 new jobs will be created at the Limavady store, which would be the retailer's 24th in the north.
No objections have been raised to the development and in the planning report published ahead of the committee meeting it is recommended for approval on April 17.
"The scale and design of the proposed retail unit is considered to be acceptable and will not result in any significant adverse visual impact on the wider landscape, streetscape, or upon the designated Area of Townscape Character or Listed Buildings. The proposal will not have any significant adverse impact on the natural environment or upon road safety," the report states.
Speaking at the time the planning application was lodged in 2017, Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council Mayor, Brenda Chivers welcomed the proposed development.
"A common complaint in Limavady is the lack of variety in the town for shopping, this store would go a long way to addressing that," the Sinn Féin councillor said.
"If this goes ahead it will bring new jobs which is great for the town and help offset some of the recent job losses in the town and surrounding areas."
The news comes just days after Home Bargains announced it will open a new superstore at the Park Centre in west Belfast.
Home Bargains will open alongside B&M in the former Dunnes Stores unit, creating a combined 100 new jobs.
TJ Morris Ltd, which trades as Home Bargains, boasts over 500 stores and employs more than 22,000 staff in the UK. The discount retailer has previously outlined ambitious expansion plans to grow beyond 1,000 stores and 40,000 staff in the future.
Meanwhile menswear retailer, Louis Boyd will open its second Belfast outlet at the Kennedy Centre today.
Founded in Newry in 1960, Louis Boyd has two outlets in the city on Mill Street and at Buttercrane, alongside stores in Craigavon and Belfast's Park Centre.
