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The Home Bargains store in Blackwood could be poised for an expansion into a neighbouring unit, new plans show.

The discount retailer has requested planning permission to merge with the neighbouring premises and refurbish it to create one larger retail unit.

The most recent occupant of the adjacent unit, Sports Direct, has not signalled what the move could mean for its future presence in the town.

If approved, the application would also allow Home Bargains to relocate the unit’s entrance and add new features such as trolley shelters.

According to a supporting statement by the applicant’s agents at Quod, the “upsizing” of the store follows Home Bargains’ commitment to “retaining their presence at Blackwood Gate Retail Park and to further invest in the local area”.

The agents added the proposals would bring “socio-economic benefits” to the town, “including the retention and increase in jobs, private sector investment and an improvement in Blackwood’s retail offer”.

Frasers Group, which operates Sports Direct, declined to comment on its future plans for its Blackwood operations.

The application is currently out for consultation, and can be viewed on the Caerphilly County Borough Council website under reference 26/0260/FULL.