A building supplies firm plan to open a new branch in Prestwich.

Planning documents filed in the past week state Screwfix Direct Ltd is seeking to occupy two units at Sedgley Park trading estate on George Street, just off Bury New Road.

The application, submitted to the council, said when open the outlet will employ 12 members of staff, four of them full time.

Two units at the trading estate will be knocked through if the plans go ahead.

A covering letter with the application said: “The building’s main activity will be the supply of building materials to local builders and related services such as plumbers, electricians and facilities departments to large organisations such as offices, hospitals, hotels, school and prisons.”

The letter said that opening hours will be between 7am-8pm Monday to Friday (including bank holidays), 7am to 6pm on Saturdays and 9am to 4pm on Sundays.

The firm said that early and late opening was required to serve trade workers.

A transport assessment with the plans said the development would generate an estimated 38 vehicle trips a day.

During the morning and afternoon peak periods the report estimated the development will generate in the order of one trip every 10 or so minutes.

The report said this was "a level that will be imperceptible on the local highway network".

The units will have three car parking spaces.

The supporting letter added: “Screwfix Direct Ltd is a trade counter operation aimed at local building companies.

“Products are also sold over the internet, via a catalogue, over the telephone as well as over the trade counter.

“While the outlets are advertised, this is predominantly in the trade press and is directed at tradesmen.

“In addition to the trade counter, there is a separate customer collection point for registered ‘Trade Plus’ account holders only accessible to registered trades people ordering building products on a regular basis in high quantities.”

The council will decide on the application in the coming weeks.