The news Marks and Spencer could be set to arrive in a market town has been welcomed by a councillor.

British Petroleum has applied to change the signs at Lynn Hill Service Station in Dereham with an M&S Simply Food and a Wild Bean cafe signs also part of the application.

The garage is currently run by Esso and the shop by Spar however should the proposal go through BP will redevelop the site.

Breckland and Dereham councillor Phillip Duigan has described it as a boost for Dereham.

He said: 'I think that it is very good news.

'It will be the first time Marks and Spencer have been in Dereham.

'At the beginning of the year we were really feeling like we were on a bit of a downer but Dereham seems to be ending it on a bounce.

'It is good that we have a premier division retailer dipping their toe in here.'

He added the potential move showed there was confidence in Dereham.

The petrol station is sited on both London Road and Station Road in a prominent position within the town.

The site has been run as a petrol station for 20 years and the applicant states its owners wish to upgrade it with modern features.

According to a design and access statement submitted by agents Robinson and Hall on behalf of BP the redevelopment 'will improve existing facilities in a number of ways' including the introduction of four self-service pumping units.

There will also be staff and customer parking as well as a car wash to replace the existing car one.

Last month Breckland Council approved a scheme which will see Italian restaurant chain Prezzo arrive in the town centre.

McDonald's opened a fast-food restaurant earlier this year and The Greenstone pub has also opened in the Dereham Business Hub off Yaxham Road.

Chattels department store, previously Palmers, has also been opened meaning a number of unused stores have come back into use.

What do you think of the proposal? Write to doug.faulkner@archant.co.uk