RESIDENTS are supporting the application for a new Morrisons superstore in Christchurch, saying the development would be a real boost to the town.

Plans for the new 5,860 square metre store on the junction of Stony Lane have been met with some concern on the grounds of traffic congestion and damage to the high street.

But 78-year-old Margaret Roberts said the majority of Christchurch residents would welcome a new supermarket in the town.

She said: “I’ve spoken to a lot of people in Christchurch and the vast majority have said they would love to see a new supermarket here. I don’t want to have to travel a huge distance just to go shopping. “It’s much easier for all the elderly residents if the supermarket is right on our front door and it will be a boost to the town.”

Secretary of ACRA, the Affiliation of Christchurch Residents Association, Jim Biggin said: “There is mixed feelings, but some people have said there is real need for a large supermarket.”

Morrisons, along with retail developer Simons, has launched a fresh bid to build its state-of-the-art store on the site currently occupied by Beagle Technology in Stony Lane.

The Morrisons Foodstore application includes provision for a main food hall, cafe facilities, staff accommodation and 350 surface car parking bays.

A spokesperson from Simons Group said: “We held a consultation in August this year and of the 86 responses on cards, 80 were in support of the development, so the vast majority approved the plans.

“There will also be 300 new jobs, so it should be good news for the community.”

Despite this, there were 100 objections to the superstore planning application, with 17 people pro the development and three undecided.

The application is expected to go to the planning committee on November 7, but this has not been confirmed.