RESIDENTS in Middlewich have throwing their support behind a discount retailers plans to take on a former supermarket site.

Plans have been submitted to Cheshire East Council by T J Morris, which trades as Home Bargains, to refurbish the former Jack's store off Wheelock Street. 

Jack's closed last year after Tesco announced it was scrapping the discount brand it launched in 2018.

Those living in the town have welcomed the news and are hoping approval for the planning application is granted.

One resident, in Pennymoor Drive, submitting their comment via the council's online planning portal, said: "A very welcome addition to Middlewich and one I hope gets full support from the council.

"This will enable use of a vacant building and hopefully bring additional and much needed extra trade to the area.

"The addition of some new sign boards to direct people to Wheelock Street from the store and encourage use of retailers on the main shopping street would be a welcome extra feature.

"The development creates new employment opportunities and a financial boost for the town allowing more reason for people to shop locally."

Another resident, in Hayhurst Avenue, added their support and made further suggestions for the site.

They said: "Absolutely support this - the quicker the better. Please consider security - theft, anti social behaviour, car park safety, lighting, CCTV, barriers etc.

"Any chance of a cash till being re-installed? This was very handy and I know some people are struggling with the lack of availability in Middlewich.

"Right next to the new housing development I'm sure this would be appreciated.

"Maybe consider restrictions on delivery hours to avoid school drop off and collection times as the car park and entrances can become gridlocked at those times."

According to a design and access statement, submitted by Quod planning consultants on behalf of the applicant, the proposal would also create around 70 new jobs. 

It states: "T J Morris is looking to refurbish the building given that it is in a relatively poor state of repair.

"The vacant retail floor space also provides Home Bargains with an opportunity to expand its retail offering to Middlewich town centre. The nearest store to the site is located in Winsford, some 3.5 miles away.

"The proposals represent substantial private sector investment and will lead to the refurbishment and improvement of an existing building in Middlewich town centre, that is in a relatively poor state of repair.

"It will also result in the creation of new jobs through the construction and operational phases."

The plans show the refurbishment would include a new shopfront with provision for eight cycle hoops, while the car park will be reconfigured to provide 83 parking spaces, seven disabled spaces and 10 parent and child bays.

There will also be two electric vehicle charging points and provision for a further two more in future. New trolley shelters would also be provided.

For more details on the plans, search reference 23/0246C on the council's online planning portal.