THE Co-op supermarket has revealed plans for a new, larger, £600,000 food store at Newcastle Emlyn.

The community retailer has confirmed it is working with a developer who has submitted plans for a new store – located on New Road between Cawdor Cars and the fire station - which would include customer car parking and enable Co-op to offer an enhanced range and choice.

The Co-op currently occupies a site on the main road through the town at Sycamore Street but there is no parking available and there are frequent complaints of people parking illegally to pop into the shop.

A planning application has been submitted to Carmarthenshire County Council and subject to permissions, the store at the former New Road Antiques site would represent an investment of around £600,000.

The new store would be approximately double the size of its existing smaller store on Sycamore Road which would relocate. It would employ 18 full-time staff.

The scheme proposes redevelopment of the existing building including extension, alterations and associated external works.

It would run on 100% renewable electricity, and include a focus on fresh, healthy products, meal ideas, food to go, pizzas, wines, everyday essentials and, the Co-op’s exclusive new vegan brand, GRO.

John Hillman, Co-op’s acquisition manager in Wales, said: “The Co-op continues to explore new locations to serve communities in Wales, and we are delighted that subject to planning consent and approvals there is an opportunity to move to a new and improved site in Newcastle Emlyn, which would enable the Co-op to better serve the community.

“The move would support the Co-op’s work to create value in its communities, give back to local causes through its membership scheme, safeguard local jobs, and support its suppliers in Wales and, its Welsh producers which include dairy and fresh produce, beers, bakery and butchers and, Welsh lamb available all year round.”

The application received no objections at a meeting of Newcastle Emlyn Town Council.