PLANS have been unveiled for a massive new DIY superstore to be built in the heart of Blackburn.

But the identity of the new shop remains a mystery, even though a planning application for the site has been submitted to councillors.

Blackburn with Darwen Council has confirmed that it has received a planning application for the site, and that some of its land may be affected as a result.

British Telecom, which currently uses part of the development site as a store yard and United Utilities, which used land there, are also registered as having being informed of the new project.

The site is accessed from Freckleton Street and is also bounded by Byrom Street and the Blackburn-Preston railway line.

The development includes a 75,000 sq ft retail unit designed for 'bulky goods.' A further 17,500 sq ft is being earmarked for a garden centre which would be accessed via the shop. Large car parking and warehouse space would also be provided.

On the plans, the developer is listed as Kingscliffe Holdings, with a French-based head office. Barnfield Construction, based in East Lancashire, would be responsible for developing the site should it get permission.

If a DIY giant does move in, it will be Blackburn's third.

It will be within a few hundred yards of the existing Focus Do It All in Bank Top, and a similar distance from the Wickes Home Improvement Centre on the Townsmoor Retail Park.

Blackburn with Darwen Council is now inviting observations on the scheme to be made to them within the next fortnight.

The project will be discussed at a future meeting of the council's planning and highways committee if objections are raised.

Meanwhile, the council has agreed to dispose of a small piece of land on Freckleton Street to a firm called Scots Land Developments, which will build premises for a new roofing firm.