Confusion surrounds whether or not Homebase will continue to operate a store in Hatfield after the company refused to comment on speculation.

Plans submitted to Welwyn Hatfield Council show the company’s current store, at Oldings Corner, could be subdivided into two separate units.

Marks and Spencer Simply Food is named to take one half, and it is proposed that the other will be used by a “home improvements retailer”.

But bosses at Homebase last week refused to reveal if the store is set to stay.

A spokeswoman for the retailer, part of the Home Retail Group, said: “We do not comment on speculation. Homebase can confirm it is still operating out of its site in Hatfield.”

For more on this story, see the Welwyn Hatfield Times, out now.