DEVELOPERS have submitted a new planning application for a Sainsbury’s store off Southampton Road.

Salisbury Gateway has come up with a revised plan after withdrawing a previous application in 2012 following public consultation.

The multi-million pound project is for a new supermarket along with an eight-pump petrol station, parking and landscaping, and would create 400 jobs.

A corridor of land closest to the River Avon and Bourne, equating to 50 per cent of the site, is earmarked for a sustainable wetlands area which will be used to control, treat and store water on the site before it is returned to the river system.

This proposed larger supermarket would be in addition to Sainsbury’s long-standing smaller store in The Malting’s, which has been in Salisbury city centre for more than 25 years.

The developers say the project will not increase the risk of flooding, which has proved to be a major concern for residents, and will ease traffic congestion on Southampton Road by adding a fourth exit at the Bourne Way roundabout along with a slip road from the Alderbury direction.

Ross Castle, portfolio development manager at Sainsbury’s, said: “We are committed to providing Salisbury shoppers with a greater range of Sainsbury’s products. It is important customers can get to our store easily and we have been working with Salisbury Gateway’s highways consultants and the Highways Agency to improve the flow of traffic along the A36.”

He said a relocated bus stop and new shared walkway and cycleway will also ensure non-car users can shop safely. “Sainsbury’s has been investing in Salisbury for over 25 years and remains committed to improving the city centre store as part of the wider Central Car Park / The Maltings development,” he added.

Ian Culverhouse, director of Salisbury Site LLP said: “Over the last 18 months our team have gone back to the drawing board to ensure our proposals are the most sympathetic and appropriate for the site. Key elements of the application such as the management of traffic and water on site have evolved significantly.”

A resident drop-in session will be held on May 9 from 10am to 7.30pm and and May 10 from 10am to 2.30pm at the Red Lion Hotel in Milford Street when people will be able to view the submitted plans.

The application will go before Wiltshire Council’s southern area planning committee at a date to be confirmed. The application number of 14/03690/FUL and it can be viewed on the council’s website.