Retail chain in discussions to open a new store on the Stephen H. Smith Garden & Leisure site in Scunthorpe
"We've got a developer looking at the site for planning permission at the moment," Stephen H Smith partner Christopher Smith told DIY Week this morning. "He's not finalised what he's doing yet... Plans will be submitted in August."

Mr Smith explained that the family-owned garden centre firm was approached by developer Simons Group about the possible sale of the site to Marks and Spencer. However, it is unknown whether the new development will occupy the whole of the site or just half, which would allow the Trent Valley Garden Centre to remain.

"It's a big site and there's a line down the centre," said Mr Smith. "We've tried to get planning for the other half for the last ten years or so. The store would either be on half of the site, in which case we would continue trading but, if it is a bigger scheme, then obviously we would look at relocating the centre somewhere within the local area."

In fact, it is not the first time Stephen H Smith has been contacted by firms looking to develop the Scunthorpe site. "Historically, we've had the site since 1988 and have been approached by 10 developers or more over the years," said Mr Smith. "We're pretty laid back about it but this time it's been picked up by the press - probably because its Marks and Spencer."

Simons Group development director Chris Newsome confirmed that he was in discussions with M&S and Stephen H Smith but could not comment further at this stage.