An application has been submitted to Richmond Council from Sainsbury's to bring a new retail pod to its branch in Lower Richmond Road. 

The pod will be for the use of We Buy Any Car (WBAC) and will be constructed as a modular structure that will be built off-site and then placed inside Sainsbury's car park. 

WBAC is a UK-based car-buying service that sell used vehicles. 

One of the proposed elevations from the We Buy Any Car pod that could come to Sainsbury's in Richmond (credit: Planning application).

Sainsbury's note the installation of the pod will result in the loss of three parking spaces at the store. 

In its application, the supermarket chain say: "It will comprise a customer service counter and waiting area, and staff working areas.  

"It will operate as a kiosk where either an appointment for the valuation of a car is booked or speculatively decided on site.  

"The cars are subsequently appraised on site, a price agreed, and paperwork filled out.  

The WBAC pod will see the loss of three parking spaces at Sainsbury's (credit: Planning application).

Sainsbury's expect the WBAC pods to bring, on average, 12 cars a week to the supermarket. 

The pods with WBAC are a concept that Sainsbury's has introduced at many of its stores across the country.  

Sainsbury's add: "The introduction of the pod is as a result of the considerable time and effort taken by Sainsbury's to understand the type of services their customers require when they shop." 

To read the full planning application click here.