Department store chain announces plans for its 10th at home, set to open by autumn 2012.
John Lewis will invest £7m in the new-build store, which will comprise 40,000sq ft of selling space over two floors. The plans, which are yet to be approved, include a café and 200 car parking spaces at the site located just off junction nine of the M20.

John Lewis managing director Andy Street said: "Our plans to open in Ashford will help realise our ambition to have more than 10 'at home' stores by the end of 2012, and we look forward to providing shoppers with greater convenience and ease of access to our inspiring products."

Like the other at home stores in John Lewis' portfolio, the Ashford outlet will feature online ordering points throughout, and shoppers will also be able to use the click and collect service to pick up orders in store.

Leader of the Ashford Borough Council Peter Wood said: "The plans are at an early stage but this is potentially exciting news for the people of Ashford and the whole of East Kent. John Lewis is a household name with a strong reputation for high quality products and services, exactly the type of company that we wish to attract to Ashford."

A public consultation on the plans for the store will be held on Friday, July 1 and Saturday July, 2 in Waitrose in Repton Park, Ashford.