Now planning permission has been requested from the furniture giant to make some external changes to its distribution centre at Kingston Park and provide a customer click and collect facility.

If it goes ahead, customers will no longer need to go to Milton Keynes for home essentials, but instead, they will be able to collect locally.

The application has been submitted to Peterborough City Council, and an IKEA spokesperson said: "We are guided by a simple yet powerful vision to create a better everyday life for the many people.

"The IKEA Distribution Centre in Peterborough is an important part of our network and as shopping habits continue to evolve, we are continuing to invest in new ways of doing things to make IKEA more convenient, affordable and sustainable."

Although the stores remain closed, IKEA are still taking online orders, although two-person deliveries have come to a halt.

A statement from SRA Architects describing the proposal said: "Perimeter vehicular access is provided around the entire DC for operational use, with loading areas to the east and west only.

"Dedicated walkways are provided for pedestrians to walk from the parking areas to the main office accommodation. These areas are positioned away from the primary loading zones, reducing pedestrian and operational conflict."

It adds: "The click and collect facility is provided to respond to current retail trends. Customers will be able to access the site to collect orders placed online or within store. Dedicated customer parking is provided adjacent to the click and collect point."