A proposal to turn a former Turkish Delight factory site in Thetford into a national DIY store is being tipped for approval in the New Year.The redundant Sultans-owned land, in London Road, has been unused ever since a major blaze four years ago, which resulted in 85 job losses.

A PROPOSAL to turn a former Turkish Delight factory site in Thetford into a national DIY store is being tipped for approval in the new year.

The redundant Sultans-owned land, in London Road, has been unused ever since a major blaze four years ago, which resulted in 85 job losses.

Breckland councillors are being recommended to give the green light to the plans for a Wickes DIY retail warehouse and garden centre at a meeting on Monday, which would help create up to 40 jobs.

The planning application by Sultans and Location 3 Properties includes proposals for 2,462sqm of non-food floor space, a 465sqm external garden centre, and 106 car parking spaces.

Thetford Town Council has objected to a new traffic access point proposed off London Road and Breck-land's tree and countryside officer has raised concerns about the loss of 11 mature pine and cypress trees.

But planning officials at the district council say the development would not prove detrimental to the local highway network and officers were in discussion with the applicant to limit the loss of trees.

A report to councillors says the plans for the brownfield site would pose an "acceptable" impact on the area and represented an investment in the economy.