Waitrose is proposing to create a new 2,000 sq m food store at the site, which will also see the Notcutts store receive a complete revamp as part of the deal.

"Feedback from many of our customers has been very positive and they have welcomed the opportunity our partnership with Waitrose will bring to redevelop the garden centre on the existing site," said Notcutts chief executive Andy King.

Waitrose development director Nigel Keen said: "We were encouraged the majority of those who recorded their comments share our confidence a new Waitrose food shop could bring substantial benefits to the area.

"We would welcome the opportunity to become part of the Bagshot community and play a positive role in the creation of new local jobs, providing more choice and encouraging more people to shop locally."

Meanwhile, a Waitrose store being built at Garden Centre Group's Northampton Garden Centre is set to open by Christmas.

And planning permission has been granted for a Waitrose and the redevelopment of Percy Thrower's Garden Centre on the Garden & Leisure centre's Shrewsbury site.