Design and planning specialists Malcolm Scott Consultants secured planning permission on behalf of the centre, aimed at developing business in anticipation of growing footfall and increasing turnover. 

Hannah Warr, manager, said: “This development will help both our business and the local community. It is the first stage of our longer-term goal, and aims to maintain Laylocks’ strength as a quality garden centre growing much of its own plants, while increasing retail ranges, improving the ambience of the centre and providing our customers with an improved shopping experience.

“As a family-operated business, this is an extremely exciting time for the team. My father Martin has built up the centre since 1973, and I’m proud to have been involved in running it alongside him for the past three years.

“Being involved in developing in the future plans has been a great experience, and the family and team are really feeling positive about what the future holds and the part that this development will play in it,” she added.

Andrew Burton, of MSC, said: “Laylocks is traditionally a plant centre first and foremost, and while it will keep this core strength, the existing indoor sales area was too small for the site to achieve its full potential.  

“These extensions will provide the centre with an enlarged retail footprint which will have a real impact on its performance, allowing the business to grow its sales significantly over the next five years and ensuring it does not stagnate at a time when opportunities within the sector are growing.”

The extension is expected to be completed by spring 2020.