A discount retailer has submitted plans to open a second store in Stevenage.

Home Bargains has applied to Stevenage Borough Council for planning permission to begin work on a store on the Monkswood Retail Park – taking over the former site of electrical retail chain Comet, which closed in December 2012.

The application states that the new build would create up to 50 new jobs for the town and will supplement the company’s current store in Stevenage town centre.

The plan also proposes changes to the site’s planning conditions as current rules prohibit the sale of food, adult clothing and footwear on the site.

A document submitted alongside the plans reads: “The proposal will result in a number of positive impacts, including increasing the employment opportunities available to the local community, and an investment in the local economy of £500,000 through store fit-out.

“It is important to highlight from the outset that Home Bargains already trade from Stevenage town centre in a unit which offers their smaller ‘in centre’ format. This new location will complement the existing town centre offer.

“The proposal will generate a number of part and full-time emplyment opportunities, bring into active use a retail unit that has been vacant since December 2012, and represents investment that would deliver additional retailer choice for local residents.”

A decision on the application is set to be made by the borough council by April 29.