Supermarket chain Waitrose is seriously seeking a site in Devizes to build a new store, it is claimed.

Estate agents received a requirement sheet from the chain, part of John Lewis Partnership, on Tuesday, inviting suggestions for land on which it could build a new store.

If it is successful, it will be the eighth national food store business with an outlet in the town, following Tesco, Sainsbury’s, Morrisons, Somerfield, Marks & Spencer, Iceland and Lidl.

Potterne-based commercial property consultant Jonathan Shortt said Waitrose had tried several times previously to find premises in the town.

He said the store would be popular but the challenge was to find a site.

“Waitrose has said it is looking to open 300 new stores nationally in the next ten years,” he said.

“There is no question that the retail trade in Devizes has held up well during the recent economic difficulties, and would be very attractive to a group like Waitrose.”

Richard Jaggs, chairman of Devizes Chamber of Commerce, said: “There is no doubt Waitrose is serious about looking for a site in Devizes but it could be damaging for the town.”

One of the sites being discussed is the T H White depot on Nursteed Road. But managing director David Scott denied it was for sale. He said: “We need it ourselves to expand our crane division.”

The request from Waitrose does not expressly name Devizes but refers to small market towns with heavy retail footfall. A spokesman for Waitrose said: “We have advertised nationally for possible sites.”