A SUPERMARKET giant wanting to open a new store in a Suffolk market town has formally lodged its proposals with planning chiefs.

Sainsbury’s claims its plans for a new supermarket in Sudbury will create 300 new jobs in the town.

The proposals are to redevelop the vacant William Armes factory and Yellow Dot sports club sites in Cornard Road and open a Sainsbury’s supermarket.

Those plans have been formally lodged with Babergh District Council which will decide on the propsoals in due course.

Sainsbury’s held talks with the public earlier this year and put its proposals on display during an exhibition at the Delphi Club off Newton Road.

More than 400 people went along to find out more and, of those who filled in questionaires, more than 90% said they were in favour of the scheme.

Sainsbury’s says that as well as the extra jobs for the area, there will be a 300-space car park, an extra bus stop, cycle parking facilities, a recycling centre and new landscaping of the site. Dougal Hartley, Sainsbury’s development surveyor for the east of England, said: “I’d like to thank everyone who took the time to give us their comments via questionnaire, both at the exhibition and afterwards. “Most of the feedback was positive, with many people saying they welcomed the choice and competition a Sainsbury’s would bring for their comprehensive weekly shop.

“Since the exhibition, we have taken on board the feedback received, and have spent the last few months developing our planning application.

“This application is now with the council and, once it is registered, should be accessible on its website in the coming weeks.

“Although we have now submitted the plans to the council, there is a long way to go. We now look forward to continuing liaison with the district and county councils, as well as ongoing discussions with the public.”

Anyone with queries about the proposals can contact Sainsbury’s on 0800 019 2205 from 9am to 5.30pm, Monday to Friday, visit www.sainsburys-sudbury.co.uk or send an email to info@ sainsburys-sudbury.co.uk