Wymondham could be set for a new supermarket after a developer announced a public consultation for the redevelopment of a derelict site.

The former sale ground, near the railway station, has been a blot on the landscape for years and had been earmarked for housing.

However, the 'gateway' site could be set for a retail development after local residents and councillors were invited to a public exhibition on the future of the area.

People have been invited to Wymondham Central Hall between 2pm and 8pm tomorrow to view the proposals for the land at Station Road, which includes plans for a new food store, new public transport interchange, car parking and coach park.

Bride Hall Developments, which is behind the scheme, says that the store would be occupied by one of the four main food retailers, but declined to say which one. A planning application is set to be submitted to South Norfolk Council at the end of next month following the consultation exercise.

Matthew Thomas, associate planning director for the developer, said designs were at an early stage, but the proposals aimed to connect with the existing station and commuter car park.

'We are very excited to be bringing forward this development at this gateway to the town. We know that this site has been vacant for some time and we hope to soon change this with a vibrant new food store for Wymondham. Given the prominent location of the site we are very keen to get the scheme right and very much want the input of local people at our public exhibition.'

'Our scheme will include a new public space in front of the station with a new pedestrian and cycle route through to the town. We think that the proposals will provide a vital addition to the shopping offer of Wymondham whilst at the same time providing the long overdue restoration of the site,' he said.

The land at the former sale ground had been subject to a planning application for 64 homes and commercial space, but were rejected last year by district councillors on highway safety grounds.

A second exhibition is planned for September 21 where the developer will present refined proposals following feedback.

Trevor Gurney, town clerk, added: 'It is a gateway site and councillors have favoured it for residential rather than a retail site. I am sure if there is a planning application in due course, the town council will look at it very carefully to see what provision has been made for coach parking.'