Fresh details of plans for a supermarket in Whitchurch emerged today as developers confirmed they are in talks with a “major UK” food retailer to occupy the site.

Property development firm Terrace Hill has said it is working on the plans for the 40,000 sq ft supermarket on land off London Road, near the town centre.

Last month it emerged planning agents Nathaniel Lichfield and Partners have tabled a pre-application with the town council on behalf of a mystery client who wishes to build a supermarket with 313 car parking spaces, an access road, and a four-island filling station on the edge of the town centre.

Paul Boyfield, for Terrace Hill, said the new shop would boost footfall in the town centre and help existing traders.

Some of the town’s traders have already spoken out against the plans.

Mr Boyfield said: “The new supermarket will facilitate in ‘clawing back’ some of the trade which is currently leaking outside of the area.”