PLANS for a new superstore in a Suffolk market town have moved a step closer after the proposals were given the thumbs up.

John Howard

PLANS for a new superstore in a Suffolk market town have moved a step closer after the proposals were given the thumbs up.

Mid-Suffolk District Council yesterday granted permission with a string of conditions to redevelop the former Seamans builders yard in Milton Road, Stowmarket.

The decision has paved the way for supermarket giant Waitrose - which is believed to be interested in moving onto the site.

It is thought the large development, which is expected to run into millions of pounds, would create a 2,400m2 shop for a single high quality convenience retailer.

Tim Passmore, Conservative leader of Mid Suffolk District Council, said he hoped the potential store would bring extra trade for other retailers.

“This would be wonderful, a fantastic development for the town,” he said. “This is exactly the sort of high quality retailer we need.

“It will help attract a lot of other customers and visitors to the town, which should have a spin off for many other businesses in the centre.

“I hope this will be the first high quality development of many to come in the next few years, we want the community to become a place everyone in mid Suffolk is proud of. I would be absolutely delighted if Waitrose does come and take up this site.”

John Matthissen, a Green district councillor who moved approval of the store during the meeting, said: “This is definitely good for the town and what we want.”

Paul Shepherd, who with his wife Pam owns the independent sandwich bar Tuckers near the development site, said: “We have got a lot of empty shops at this end of town.

“This could bring in some business or people may simply park there and then leave. We will have to wait and see.”

A spokesman for Waitrose said he was unable to discuss the company's plans in detail yesterday.