Big changes and more jobs are on the way at one of Chippenham’s key out of town shopping sites.

Next confirmed this week it plans to open in September in one of three units in the former Focus DIY.

The 10,000 sq ft unit is to be fashion-led, offering women’s, men’s and children’s clothing and some homeware.

And 178 jobs could be created if Corsham firm Cougar (Chippenham) Ltd gets the go-ahead to develop a new drive-through restaurant and office block next door, at the junction of West Cepen Way and Bath Road.

KFC has confirmed it is looking to open a drive-through in Chippenham.

Business people say they are pleased to see the town attracting top brands but are disappointed it is not to be in the town centre.

Rob Perks, president of Chippenham Chamber of Commerce, said: “Chippen-ham is not well served when it comes to clothes outlets, so Next will be welcome.

“Anything that creates more employment is welcome, especially after losing some of Herman Miller to Melksham.

“But the Chamber of Commerce was originally opposed because we would prefer it to be in the centre.

“This trend of moving shops out all the time means there is less and less reason for people to go into town.

“But there’s nowhere big enough for them to go in the centre, and the rent is extortionate.”

Melody Thompson, chairman of Cherish Chippenham Town Team, said: “This shows there is a demand and Chippenham can attract the big names, but it is a shame to see the doughnut effect, all the development happening on the outskirts rather than centrally, in the heart of the community where one business feeds off another and it encourages people to walk rather than drive.

“If out of town developers had to pay a levy to offer free parking, it would push up rental costs and hopefully push them back into the town centre.”

Property developers Cougar (Chippenham) Ltd have applied to build a drive-through and 1600 sq m of office space.

Cougar say their proposals would create 145 full-time jobs and 33 part-time jobs, as well as another 64 parking spaces, in addition to the 194 spaces planned for Next.

They hope to start building this autumn and for the businesses to be running by the middle of next year.

Director John Havard said: “It would also generate 50 additional jobs during the construction phase.”

A KFC spokesman said: “We are looking to open a drive-through in Chippen-ham, due to popular demand, and we’re looking at a number of potential locations. A new restaurant would create around 40 career opportunities, and we hope to have some good news soon.”

Argos has ended speculation it wants one of the two other retail units up for lease. It said it has no plans to open another store in the town.