A GREEN space in a small Somerset village could soon be replaced by new homes and a supermarket if plans are approved.

Landmark Estates has applied to build a new convenience store on Main Road in Cannington, a short distance from recently-approved new housing.

The store, if approved, will be operated by the Co-operative Food, with five new homes expected to be built around it under a separate application.

Sedgemoor District Council is expected to make a decision on the store plans by the early spring.

The new store will be built on the western side of Main Road, north of the roundabout, with access being opposite the existing Southbrook junction.

A total of 14 car parking spaces and eight cycling spaces will be provided on-site, with the new store being open daily between 6am and 11pm (including Sundays and bank holidays).

The new store is expected to create up to 20 jobs – of which the majority will be part-time.

Bridgwater Mercury: Plans For New Co-operative Food Store And Homes On Main Road In Cannington. CREDIT: UAN Architecture. Free to use for all BBC wire partners.

A spokesman for UAN Architecture (representing the applicant) said: “Cannington is presently served by a very small Spar. Consequently, there is food spend leakage from the village as people going further afield for top-up shopping purposes (e.g. Bridgwater).

“The Co-op is looking to retain a portion of that leaked spend. This will, in return, assist the village’s economic benefit (through creation of employment and community activities).

“As the Co-op will be able to offer greater choice and a much wider range of products in store, residents can shop locally. Positively, this will help to reduce the number and frequency of journeys out of the village and associated reduced emissions.

“The proposed development presents an opportunity to meet a known and existing retail need.

“In the absence of any realistic redevelopment opportunities within the village centre, the Co-op has identified the development site as the optimum opportunity, given its sufficient size and existing, good-quality pedestrian and vehicular linkages.”

The Co-op currently runs four stores in Bridgwater – including its store within the Redgate Centre on the A372 Westonzoyland Road.

Landmark Estates, which is based in Ringwood in Hampshire, has stated that plans for the five new homes surrounding the store will be submitted at a later date.

The site lies within walking distance of the new Grange Meadows housing development being constructed by Crest Nicholson South West, comprising 73 new three-, four- and five-bedroom houses (as well as a new arm on the A39 roundabout).

It also lies to the east of the Oak Tree Farm site, where Gladman Developments applied to build 165 new homes – though these plans were refused by the council and subsequently rejected again at appeal.

The council is expected to make a decision on the store plans in the spring.