LOUTH's supermarket debate has taken a new twist with Sainsbury's revealing plans for a store in the town – but not on the cattle market site.

The supermarket has unveiled plans for a new 25,000 sq foot foodstore, which could create 250 local jobs, on land between Kiln Lane and Charles Street, on the north side of the River Lud near the Co-op store.

Local residents will have the opportunity to see the plans at a public exhibition in The Yellow Room at the Salvation Army Hall, opposite the bus station on Church Street this Friday from 9am–4pm and Saturday from 9am–1pm.

Following the exhibition, the plans will be on public display in Louth Library until the end of November.

At the exhibition, people will be able to meet with Sainsbury's development team, who will provide further information, answer questions and record their views regarding the store plans.

Sainsbury's said the building will be a bespoke design, complimenting the architectural character of Louth and the height will be kept low in order to retain the views of the town centre from the bowling greens and Charles Street pond, particularly of St James' Church.

Access to the store will be via the existing pedestrian footpath from the Kiln Lane car park over the River Lud. There will also be safe pedestrian routes from Charles Street to provide direct, easy access to Northgate and the main shopping areas beyond.

A footpath will also be formed along the northern bank of the river to provide further pedestrian links through the site, while vehicle access will be provided from both the existing Kiln Lane access and a new junction on Charles Street.

A statement from Sainsbury's said they are keen to submit a planning application at the earliest opportunity, but they wish to hear the views of the public first.

Sainsbury's Regional Development Executive, Robert Oxley, said: "Sainsbury's is committed to attracting shoppers back into Louth town centre by preventing the need to travel further afield to carry out the weekly shop.

"Our intention is to provide a high quality food shopping facility in Louth, which compliments the retailers already in the town and is within easy walking distance of the town centre.

"We are looking forward to providing the people of Louth with a quality shopping offer. We hope residents and local businesses will attend the public exhibition and put forward their views regarding our store plans. These views will be taken into consideration as the plans are finalised and submitted to the council."

An East Lindsey District Council spokesman said: "Sainsbury's has approached the council for pre-application discussions, as many developers do.

"All planning applications are considered in line with local and national planning guidelines. The planning process involves significant public consultation."

Turn to page 2 for reaction of the Sainsbury's plans by the Keep Louth Special pressure group and news on the cattle market being put up for sale by East Lindsey District Council.