MORRISONS has formally submitted a planning application to build a new Eldene centre, with a large supermarket as part of a £15m redeveloment project.

Swindon Council has entered an agreement with the chain, which would build the centre on the former site of Dorcan House, in Dorcan Way, which is privately owned.

Morrisons held a public consultation on the project in May at Eldene Community Centre to explain the proposal and answer questions.

David Bevan, of Morrisons, said: “Six hundred people attended our recent public consultation and 97.78 per cent supported the proposed Morris-ons supermarket, while 94.44 per cent supported the creation of a new Eldene local centre.

“Local people welcomed the opportunity to have a new store to serve the south east Swindon catchment and the increase in choice and competition.

“A number of problems at the existing Eldene centre, including anti social behaviour, were highlighted to us, and people welcomed the opportunity for its renewal and relocation.”

Under the new development, which is subject to the application’s approval, the council would lift a covenant restricting the use of the land for offices only, to allow Morrisons to build a 25,000sqft supermarket with 250 car parking spaces.

The scheme, which would create about 250 jobs, would also include three smaller retail or commercial units alongside the superstore. The tenants at the existing parade of shops, with the exception of the Co-op, would be given first refusal to relocate.

There was originally supposed to be a fuel station, but Morris-ons says the site is not big enough to accommodate it. The scheme would also involve a new road access from the existing Dorcan and Hindle Way roundabout.

If planning permission is gained, the existing shopping parade owned by Swindon Council would be demolished and the council would work up plans for the site.

Speaking in May, council leader Rod Bluh (Con, Old Town), who used to represent Dorcan, said: “I’m delighted it’s going forward. As a Dorcan councillor it was an aim of mine in the eight years since I became one.

“It was obvious in 2004 that the centre needed to be replaced. I’m thrilled we’re moving forward on that and I see it as a really positive proposal for the Eldene and Liden area.”