A PROPERTY giant has submitted plans to build a large supermarket on the Greyhound Retail Park – but it would mean the loss of Chester’s only cinema.

Land Securities has unveiled its latest attempt to build a new supermarket, rumoured to be an Asda, which is expected to create 173 new jobs.

The company previously submitted plans for a 55,120sq ft food store on Greyhound Retail Park in 2009 and then was allowed further time to develop its plans when resubmitted last year.

Land Securities has now lodged the latest version of the project to Cheshire West and Chester Council, this time to build a 75,470sq ft supermarket.

Under the plans, it would demolish Cineworld - its lease is due to expire in 2016 and it has confirmed it will not renew - and extend the adjacent bowling alley unit to create the new supermarket and café.

In addition, there would be external alternations to three other units on the park and an increase of 165 parking spaces.

Savills is acting as agent and Ratcliffe Groves Partnership is the architect.

A design statement said: “The proposal will create additional investment and job creation within the retail park and provide additional choice in terms of the retail offer for users of the park.

“The proposals will be wholly in keeping with the surrounding established land use of primarily retail warehouse development and is considered to be an improvement on the existing appearance of the development at the application site.

“The overall aim of the proposal has been to create a modern, aesthetically pleasing new retail frontage which will impact positively on the broader community.”

Last year the Chronicle reported that the council had agreed to sell land next to Cineworld for £5.77m subject to planning permission for the supermarket but this plot is no longer involved.

Blacon Labour councillor Reg Jones believes a major supermarket such as Asda would bring benefits to the area but says the application raises questions that need answering about the implications for leisure facilities, traffic and transport and existing supermarket retailers.