The race to build a new supermarket in Wymondham has taken a new twist after plans were submitted for a new store development on a coach depot.

Three food store plans on three different sites in the South Norfolk market town are now in the pipeline after a planning application was put in for land off Norwich Road and Postmill Close.

The proposal for a 3,720sqm (40,041sqft) superstore with 260 car parking spaces encompasses the Semmence Coaches site and the rear gardens of 30 - 32 Norwich Road.

The scheme by the Retail Development Partnership, acting on behalf of an undisclosed retailer, would create 120 full-time and 100 part-time jobs on the site, according to the agent for the development.

The proposals follow plans that have already been submitted for a 20,000sqft store at the former sale ground next to Wymondham Railway Station by Bride Hall Developments for one of the big four supermarkets. And comes amid the ongoing saga of the proposed sale of Kings Head Meadow by Wymondham Town Council for an Asda supermarket development.

In an application to South Norfolk Council, Marrons Solicitors of Leicester, said the current brownfield site off Norwich Road, which currently employs 60 staff, was in employment use, but was 'part vacant' and had an 'unkempt' appearance.

A report adds that the 'convenience goods superstore' would result in the replacement of 'visually very poor' commercial buildings and would 'enhance the street frontage and street scene.'

Residents have until February 21 to comment on the latest food store plans, which fall within Wymondham's conservation area.

No one from Semmence Coaches was available for comment last night.

The latest development comes as Wymondham Town Councillors will discuss at a meeting at Fairland Church on Tuesday night a motion to suspend plans to sell Kings Head Meadow to Asda until the completion of the Wymondham Area Action Plan and a full business case. The green space is currently the home of Wymondham Town FC.