SAFEWAY has submitted plans to expand its Devizes store by another 50 per cent.

The supermarket chain wants to build a 10,500sq ft extension at the store in Estcourt Street, bringing the total retail space to 35,100sq ft.

The proposed extension is to the side of the store where there is a small number of car parking spaces. The extension would result in the loss of 38 parking spaces, bringing the total number down to 300.

Safeway's planning consultant, DTZ Pieda Consulting, in Bristol, has submitted an outline planning application to Kennet District Council.

In a letter accompanying the planning application Mark Scoot, of DTZ says: "The extension will provide an improved facility for customers and would allow improvements to the range of existing products sold.

"The proposal will allow for the provision of a greater number of the existing range of products, thereby reducing the need for restocking during trading hours.

"The enhanced sales area will enable the provision of wider aisles, more accessible tills and improved circulation space."

The proposed extension comes less than 12 months after Safeway spent £1million on upgrading the store. If outline planning permission is granted Safeway will have to submit detailed plans for approval.