Plans to increase the size of the Sainsbury’s store in Chippenham by a third were welcomed by shoppers who visited an exhibition last week.

The proposals to expand the store include a single-storey extension to the west and a two-storey extension to the front and east of the store, with the existing customer restaurant being moved to a mezzanine floor.

The plan would include an upstairs level to the car park, which would increase capacity to 700 vehicles, and a children’s zone where parents can leave their youngsters while they shop.

Around 50 new jobs will be created.

Artist’s impressions of the new look have been on display for customers.

Pensioner Sylvia Cole, of Oaklands, said: “I think the new Sainsbury’s will be lovely and I really think Chippenham needs it, especially now that there won’t be a big Asda.

“We could do with a superstore in the town and I think a lot of people will be in favour of it.

“I know of people who come from Corsham to do their shopping, so there is definitely a need for it.

“I cannot wait for it to open – I just hope it all goes through now.”

Louise Dixon, 35, of Willowbank, said: “I think a bigger store would be a good thing because there would be more choice on offer.

“There is quite a good selection at the moment, but it would be nice to have a bigger frozen section because that’s a bit limited at the moment.

“I saw the plans and they looked quite nice.

“I just hope there isn’t too much disruption while all the work is being done.”

Following the consultation a team of planners from Sainsbury’s will examine shoppers’ comments before submitting an application for planning permission to Wiltshire Council over the next few weeks.

Sainsbury’s town planner David Lazenby said: “Following the recent instore exhibition highlighting our plans, we have received a lot of feedback from our regular customers as well as residents.

“We are really pleased with the feedback as the majority has been positive. We have also received suggestions regarding the recycling area, traffic management and litter control, which we will be feeding into our planning team to consider before we submit the final planning application.”

Councillor Peter Hutton, who represents Cepen Park and Derriads for the unitary authority, visited the exhibition on Saturday.

He said: “As with all consultations I believe it is vital to involve the local community to let them raise their points of concern and have an input into their neighbourhood.

“In this current financial climate it is encouraging to see possible future investment and expansion, which will not only mean consolidation of existing jobs, but hopefully a number of new job opportunities being offered within the local community.”

Sainsbury’s could not say what internal features the store will have as those details have yet to be confirmed.

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