A PLANNING application has been submitted for the £5million expansion of Newmarket's town centre shopping precinct.The proposal is for a three-storey expansion of the Rookery Shopping Centre to be built on the existing market square, including mixing shops health and fitness facilities and nine flats.

A PLANNING application has been submitted for the £5million expansion of Newmarket's town centre shopping precinct.

The proposal is for a three-storey expansion of the Rookery Shopping Centre to be built on the existing market square, including mixing shops health and fitness facilities and nine flats.

The plans have been submitted by Avril Properties, which runs the centre, to Forest Heath District Council, which owns the land.

Robert Gubby managing director of Avril Properties said he was excited about the plans.

"We are very excited about it – it will improve the whole of the town," he said.

More car parking spaces would be provided by building the multi-storey car park higher and moving the market stalls to the ground floor of the existing car park.

"We have carried out a lot of consultation and we have something that everyone seems to like.

The plan has already been welcomed by many district councillors as it includes improved public transport provision and toilets, Mr Gubby said.

"It really solves a lot of problems," he added.

Martin Clerici architect behind the design said the expansion of the 133,000 sq ft shopping mall has been in the pipeline for around two years.

"Newmarket needs better shopping facilities as currently people go to Cambridge or other towns," Mr Clerici said.

Terry Mills, Newmarket resident and district councillor, expressed concerns over potential traffic problems.

"The scheme includes more car parking spaces which is brilliant and it will attract more people into the town. However I am concerned about the traffic," Mr Mills said.