Planning applications have been submitted by Dobbies Garden Centres to extend its offer at its centres at Braehead, Renfrewshire and Dundee, Tayside. The new space would be made available to businesses which will complement the existing Dobbies offer.

At its Dundee garden centre, the retailer wants to create additional space in the gap between its main garden centre premises and its neighbouring House of Angus retail visitor centre near Monifieth.

At Dobbies, Braehead, the proposals are to create new space to the front of the building, as well as reconfiguring current space in the plant sales area at the rear of the building.

A Dobbies spokesperson said: “We are keen to introduce new concepts to our Braehead and Dundee centres to offer an improved experience for our customers. It is envisaged that this new investment will lead to significant economic benefits for the local areas.

"The proposals will create a number of new job opportunities with staff positions created within the new space, and also potential for spin-off benefits for the existing and new businesses by drawing more visitors to the area.”

Subject to planning permission, Dobbies targets to open this space towards the end of 2014.