DEVELOPERS are hoping to submit a formal planning application for a new Tesco superstore at Felixstowe in September.

The supermarket giant expects the planning process to take some time but, if the go-ahead is given, hopes to start work on site in late 2014.

Officials are today analysing feedback received following a two-day exhibition of the plans this week at the Felixstowe Trades and Labour Club.

The Walton Green Partnership – Tesco and landowners Trinity College, Cambridge – do not expect to make any radical changes to the latest proposals for the 30,000sq ft store, 180 homes, business units, allotments and community facilities.

Tim Collins, a partner in Bidwells, agents for the college, said there was still time for further changes and his team would be examining the comments to see if any fresh ideas or suggestions had been brought forward which could be accommodated.

He said the planning application would most likely be submitted to Suffolk Coastal in September – a detailed application for the store and outline application for the homes.

“It usually takes about two years to go through the planning process, finalise everything and then prepare for the build, so we would probably expect a start on site, if all went smoothly, in late 2014,” he said.

“In the meantime, as we prepare the planning application, we will continue to meet with the town council and the district council, and stay in touch with other local groups, such as the chamber of trade.”

Campaigners say they have been told that if the plans are submitted in early autumn, it is unlikely they will come before councillors until January or February next year.

The Walton Felixstowe Community First group is fighting the proposals because it fears they will have a disastrous impact on shops in the town centre and Walton High Street.