A planning application has been submitted for a new �3.75m Anglia Co-operative Society supermarket in Wells.

We have previously reported how the company is proposing a new 10,000sqft food store with car parking for 52 vehicles on the site of the former Polka Caravan Centre, off Polka Road.

It is expected that the development would create around 49 new jobs.

If the planning application is approved, works would commence in the early autumn, with the store being open the following spring.

The application follows widespread public consultation, including an open exhibition in Wells Maltings.

Developers say the consultation achieved a strong positive response in favour of the scheme, with 87pc of responses received either supporting or not objecting to the proposals.

Paul McSorley of Lindum Group, a development partner of Anglia Co-operative, said: 'We are delighted with the response of the people of Wells, we have received a great number of constructive suggestions which have been incorporated within our proposal wherever possible.

'By far the most common request we received was for a petrol filling station. Whilst this cannot be accommodated on the Co-op site, we are actively working with councillors, the local authority and operators to investigate adjacent sites where this may be delivered.'

Wells Town Council chairman Allen Frary, has, however, expressed concern.

He said: 'Obviously there are concerns about the impact this could have on existing traders in Wells.

'They say this will bring 49 new jobs but this has to be balanced against the number of jobs that could be lost from other businesses in the town.

'It's fine in the peak season when the town is busy but I'm not sure that there would be the trade in Wells to sustain the businesses all year round.

'A petrol station may be a good thing for Wells but that is by no means guaranteed.'

Once the planning application is registered, there will be an opportunity to provide comment on the final proposals direct to North Norfolk planning department, and all are encouraged to respond as part of this process to ensure that the views of the town are fully represented.