DEVELOPERS hoping to create a new supermarket near the town centre have pledged to listen to the public before they submit any final proposals.

Albourne Property plc, the developers of the possible new supermarket, which would be situated just off High Road West, unveiled their plans at a public exhibition on Friday and Saturday.

During the exhibition, held at the Waverley Hotel, shoppers, homeowners and traders took the opportunity to grill the developers on the potential impact of a new store.

Brian Mullin, principal town planner of Leicester-based consultants Marrons, said: “I think, broadly speaking, we have had support, but there are concerns, of course.”

“When you bring forward a new development there are concerns about the impact but these plans are at a very formative stage.

“We want to be able to demonstrate that we have listened to the feedback and it has had an impact on the proposals.”

The developers announced the project for a supermarket on land between Garrison Lane rail, the rear of properties in High Road West and the town’s rail line, last month.

Access would be off Railway Approach and there would be car parking at ground-floor level with the store built on the first floor, above the car park. Customers will gain access to the store by a travelator (a moving walkway that takes trolleys). It is believed 250 new jobs could be created if the store is built.

Gavin Sargent, the architect of the project, from WCEC Architecture, added: “The most important thing for us is to get the feedback and get as much feedback as we possibly can.

“I think we will be able to demonstrate there has been some support.”

The new project is the second major food store proposal to be put forward for Felixstowe, with Tesco still looking at its project for Walton Green.

n Does Felixstowe need a new supermarket? Write to Your Letters, Ipswich Star, 30 Lower Brook Street, Ipswich, IP4 1AN, or send an e-mail to starletters@archant.co.uk