A SUPERMARKET developer has refuted claims a traffic plan for a busy Christchurch roundabout will cause more congestion for motorists.

Proposals for a Morrison’s supermarket at the Beagle Technology Group site in Stony Lane are not due to go before councillors until at least December and the developers, Simons Developments, have moved to reassure residents over their proposals for Stony Lane roundabout.

As part of their scheme to build a supermarket on the Beagle site, the developers are also proposing changing the layout of the busy roundabout to a “hamburger” design and adding traffic lights, which they say could reduce the number of collisions by 13 over five years.

Luke Pickering, a consultant to Simons said: “The county council highways team are happy with the plans and it will increase traffic flow.

“It’s not going to make it worse; it’s only going to benefit people.

“And in terms of trade in the town centre, we are of the view that it will bring people in rather than put people off coming into the town.”

Joseph Crabtree from Beagle said: “We are building bigger orders now – physically and in terms of numbers – and need more space.

“No matter how good a sales pitch we do, the proof is in the pudding and we need a 21st century premises for a 21st century business.

“We have the potential for huge growth but unless this is approved, we can’t move and develop the business.

“It’s not only us who would suffer but the town as a whole if this is not approved.

“We are a local business, local people and local jobs and we won’t disappear out of the area.”

It is the third time the plans will go before Christchurch council, after being rejected twice last year.

Two other supermarkets at Bailey Drive Retail Park off Barrack Road and Meteor Retail Park in Somerford have already been approved.