BARGAIN basement chain Poundland wants to open a second branch in Colchester.

The company hopes to take over the Wedo Home home furnishings store on the Turner Rise Retail Park, which looks set to close after trading for just 15 months.

Wedo has not said exactly when it plans to pull out of the 8,000 sq ft shop.

However Colchester Council has already been asked to vary the unit’s planning permission to allow Poundland to sell a wider range of goods than Wedo.

The application suggests Poundland, which already trades in Long Wyre Street, Colchester, could have an annual turnover of £3.5million on the site.

The planning application – submitted on behalf of site owner Schroder UK Property Fund – states: “Wedo Home took occupation of the unit in 2013 following the closure of the Carpetright store.

“However, poor trading and Wedo’s focus on online sales mean the company has sought a surrender of its current lease and is due to close shortly.

“The proposed store at Turner Rise is intended to support the continued expansion of the business by supplementing Poundland’s existing retail offer within the town.”

Poundland, which sells everything in its shops for a pound, is thought to be planning to sell a wider range of products than those available in its town centre store.

Wedo occupies one of Turner Rise Retail Park’s eight units and is one of three selling furniture and household items, alongside Bensons For Beds and Bathstore.

The Gazette asked Wedo’s head office when the store was closing and howmany jobs would go, but we got no response.

No one at the store was prepared to comment, either.

A Poundland spokesman said: “We are currently considering the acquisition of new stores to add to those already opened this year.

“The popularity of Poundland’s product ranges means the organisation is keen not to raise anticipation for a new store before plans are finalised.

“Therefore, we cannot disclose any more information at this stage.

“As soon as all details have been confirmed, we will immediately release this information.”

Colchester Council is likely to rule on the application by April 7.