A BID to develop a former car dealership in Ferndown into a new Marks & Spencer food store is to go before the council.

The plans for the former Westwood Car Sales site in Ringwood Road would see developers Simons Group transform the space into an 11,000 sq ft shop.

The proposals – a response to the need for more retail space in the town as identified in the Local Plan – are soon to be submitted to East Dorset District Council.

Simons Group development director Jonathan Bennett said: “We are excited at the prospect of bringing a new Simply Food store to Ferndown and consider that the site is well located for such a development. “We hope that the community will appreciate that new stores, such as the one proposed, bring improved choice and increased competition, all of which is good for local shoppers.”

For more information about the proposals, call 0800 298 7040.

Alternatively, queries can be emailed via ferndown@simonsgr oup.com.

Information about the plans can also be found by visiting the project’s website at simonsgroup.co.uk/ferndown