AFTER weeks of speculation, residents of Andover have their clearest indication yet that a new B&M store could be coming to the town.

Plans have been lodged with the borough council to erect new signage in Enham Arch retail park – signage that displays the B&M home store logo.

Talk has been mounting in recent weeks that the budget retailer could be moving into the current Homebase premises, which is due to be closed on February 20.

B&M management have remained tight-lipped regarding the rumours ever since a Homebase spokesperson confirmed the store’s impending closure.

But a job advert for an opening at a B&M Andover store was recently spotted online, and shortly after a member of staff at Homebase told the Advertiser he expected “B&M will be moving in”.

And now planning application documents submitted to Test Valley Borough Council would appear to confirm that B&M is indeed lining up a move to the premises.

The application is for the display of three illuminated fascia signs to go on the outside of the building, and two non-illuminated fascia signs to go in the entrance foyer.

The proposed external signage reads “B&M home store & garden centre”, with two signs to be mounted on the front of the building and one on the side that joins Unit 2 of the retail park, currently home to Tapi Carpets.

The external signs will feature bird spikes, according to plans.

The Advertiser previously contacted B&M for a comment on the store’s potential arrival in the town, but the organisation could neither confirm nor deny the news.

A spokesperson for the retailer said: “We’re always looking at sites for new stores and would welcome the opportunity to invest in the region.”

The Advertiser also contacted the real estate service provider for the landlord, JLL, for a response. They are also yet to respond.

B&M has been contacted for a follow-up comment in light of the planning application.