Braintree Freeport wants to build a huge new DIY warehouse and garden centre in its existing car park.

A screening opinion request, submitted to Braintree Council on behalf of Hermes (Freeport) Limited Partnership which owns the shopping outlet centre, reveals proposals for three retail warehouses, a garden centre with a canopy and provision of new commuter car parking.

The development, which intends to provide a 40,000sq ft store for a popular DIY retailer, will be located inside the car park for the Freeport shopping centre.

The report, which has been submitted to Braintree Council before a formal planning application is submitted, does not explain which DIY retailer will be taking over the largest store, but agents on behalf of Freeport have disputed plans for B&Q to come to a nearby site.

See this week's Braintree Times for the full story.