Timpson to open retail pod within grounds of Hartlepool's Asda

The plans, submitted by McLagan Investments to Hartlepool Borough Council, state the pod would be occupied by Timpson, which offers dry cleaning, key cutting, shoe repairs, watch repairs and engraving.

Pegasus Group, on behalf of the applicant, states the proposals would rely on existing customers who already visit the site.

It said in a statement: “The pod will be used by customers visiting the Asda store and the pod will be located within the confines of the Asda store and Asda’s ownership.

“The pod will offer customers the convenience of providing Timpson services within the Asda grounds.

“Due to the nature and value of the services provided, and the scale of the proposal, the pod will rely heavily on existing footfall to be viable.”

The plans come as part of a wider programme from Timpson to roll out concessions at Asda stores where possible throughout the country.

A separate application has also been submitted to gain permission to display Timpson advertisements on the retail pod.

It comes after Asda recently submitted plans to improve the existing click and collect facilities in the car park of the Marina Way supermarket.

The existing collection point will be replaced with three new click and collect bays and extra space for delivery vans, leading to "improved home shopping capacity”.

A decision is expected to be made on the latest proposals by the council planning department in early July.