MORRISONS has unveiled plans for a new superstore in Hadleigh on the site of a former car showroom.

The proposals will see the supermarket chain’s current store in London Road demolished and a bigger supermarket built next door at the former Lookers car dealership.

The new supermarket’s sales area will be 40 per cent larger than the existing store.

It will also contain a cafe and much larger car park.

Morrisons is expected to apply to Castle Point Council for planning permission for the site in the next three months.

Stella Pitt, Morrisons’ public relations manager, said: “We are keen for local Hadleigh shoppers to experience Morrisons range of fresh food, excellent service and good value in an expanded store.”

Once the new supermarket is built the current store will be demolished and the vacated land will be used to double the size of the existing car park.

The new car park will have 104 extra spaces.

Inside, the store will house a specialist fishmonger, butcher, bakery and cake shop counters, as well as improved offices and facilities for staff.

The front of the store will be glass to provide natural light.

Mrs Pitt added: “Our new store will be sensitively designed to fit in with Hadleigh’s existing architecture.”

The supermarket would not confirm how much the new store will cost.

Morrisons has had designs on the Lookers site since the car showroom closed in December 2008.

The supermarket’s option agreement to buy the land is thought to be running out soon.

The supermarket chain has sent out a leaflet to residents in Hadleigh explaining the benefits of the new store ahead of applying for planning permission.

It will also hold an exhibition of its plans at the current store this week between Thursday, and Saturday.

David Marchant, Castle Point Council’s chief executive, said: “‘We are aware Morrisons is carrying out their own consultation in advance of submitting a planning application.

“This is good practice and residents are encouraged to attend and give their views on the proposals.”

If all goes to plan, Morrisons hopes the new store will open for trading in 2012.