Owners of the building formerly occupied by Homebase have applied for permission to demolish the garden centre structures outside the former DIY store.

WYG Planning, on behalf of Ashford Nominee 1 Ltd and Ashford Nominee 2 Ltd, has submitted plans to pull down the outdoor sales area and create hard surfacing.

The unit at Ashford Business Park, Barrey Road, Sevington, has been empty since 2012 but the planning application revealed the owners are still trying to find tenants.

Town planner Peter French said: “The landowner is currently in discussions with a number of operators with a view to re-letting the unit in the near future. As such, it has become apparent that there is no longer a requirement for an external garden centre at the site.

“This application therefore seeks the prior notification for demolition of the existing structures within the garden centre area.”

Ashford Borough Council is expected to make a decision by July 4.