SAINSBURY’S is poised to open a store within a new development in Leigh.

Developers want to build a shop and doctors’ surgery, topped with nine two-bed flats, on the site of the former Westleigh Motors car dealership, at the junction of Flemming Avenue and London Road.

The plans also show a roof garden for residents of the flats.

So far, the plans have won the backing of Highlands doctors surgery in Leigh, which is considering moving into the development.

Leigh Town Council’s planning committee has welcomed a new food store, but expressed concern over parking.

A spokeswoman for Sainsbury’s said: “We have agreed a lease to occupy the new retail unit which forms part of the redevelopment of the former car dealership, which is currently subject to planning permission.

“The new store will bring new jobs and investment to the town and improve the choice available to local shoppers.”

The 2,150sq ft store would open under the Sainsbury’s Local banner, the chain’s convenience brand, and would create between 20 and 25 full and part-time jobs.

Steve Ayers, of estate agent Ayers and Cruiks, which is acting as agent for developer Caneleigh Limited, said: “The building has lain empty for some time and was slipping into a state of disrepair assisted by continual vandalism.

“The submitted scheme retains some of the existing building with substantially enhanced external appearance, and will provide services for the area that currently don’t exist.”

Although the supermarket is applying for a licence to sell alcohol, during its trading hours of 7am to 11pm, this could be curtailed to 8am to 11pm to match the licences granted to nearby Waitrose and Tesco stores.

The plans also contain provision for 39 parking spaces plus cycle parking, and deliveries will be made from London Road to minimise disturbance to neighbouring roads.

Residents have welcomed the latest proposals, although concerns have been expressed about the parking situation.

Leigh town councillor Caroline Parker, who represents Elms ward, said: “What everyone is concerned about is the amount of car parking. This is already a very congested parking area.”

A woman, 45, who lives in nearby Tankerville Drive, and asked not to be named, added: “I would welcome this, but is there enough parking for both a doctors’ surgery and a shop at the development?”