A drive-thru Costa coffee and veterinary practice will be built next to a giant Bunnings store in Ashford if plans to extend a retail park are approved.

KentOnline's sister title the Kentish Express revealed last month how developers want to build on land next to the John Lewis at Home store, which was previously earmarked for a park and ride.

If approved, five large stores including the Bunnings DIY shop will be built on the site near the Drovers roundabout, as well as a standalone Costa and Vets4Pets practice.

Developer Davies Street Castle City is behind the scheme, which has now been formally submitted to Ashford Borough Council.

In its planning application, the firm said: "The retail park will provide a hub to purchase DIY and home improvement goods, outdoor living, furniture and household goods.

"The scheme will deliver the first purpose-built Bunnings store in the UK.

"The Bunnings unit is 4,645 sq m, with an outdoor living garden centre/nursery and builders’ merchant.

"Alongside Bunnings will be a retail terrace of four units - the proposals are for sustainable development on an appropriate site that is already a recognised retail destination."

Bunnings bosses purchased Homebase in 2016 for £340 million, and now have 250 stores in the UK.

The Ashford outlet would become a neighbour to the nearby John Lewis at Home store and would be accessed via the same junction near Drovers roundabout.

If the scheme is approved, the store could open next summer.

Alongside Bunnings, the four other shops will be filled by furniture, homeware, kitchen and/or bathroom retailers.

To view the scheme, visit www.ashford.gov.uk and search for the 18/00405/AS application. The deadline for public comments is Sunday, April 22.