THE development of a supermarket in Neston town centre has taken a major step forward.

Ellesmere Port and Neston Borough Council has announced the scheme put forward by developer CTP and operator Sainsbury's is its preferred option.

The decision is subject to a number of conditions, with a key one being that the views of the community are obtained.

Neston residents and town centre businesses will be consulted before the council makes a final decision.

The site of the proposed supermarket is the car park between Brook Street and Raby Road, and the designs include a 35,000sq ft foodstore, a town square to house the market and other community events, flats and offices.

The development includes 246 parking spaces, more than in the current car park.

A consultation event will be held in Neston during the next few weeks, which will involve public exhibitions and focus groups.

Further information will be available shortly on www.epnbc.gov.uk and at Neston Town Hall.

The results of the consultation will be taken into account by the council and if it approves the scheme a planning application would be made in the autumn, which would be subject to further public consultation.

If that application is approved, the store may be ready to open in 2009.