A TOP-level meeting between council chiefs and a major Christchurch employer has taken place as plans for a new supermarket are set to be submitted.

The meeting with Beagle Technology Group at Christchurch Borough Council’s Civic Offices took place on Thursday morning.

Despite revised plans for a Morrisons supermarket on the Beagle site to be lodged soon, both the council and Beagle insisted the meeting was not about the forthcoming application.

It was attended by senior management from Beagle, the leader of Christchurch council, Cllr Ray Nottage, right, portfolio holder for communities, Cllr Bernie Davis, Cllr Margaret Phipps, portfolio holder for environment and Cllr Mike Duckworth, portfolio holder for performance.

Strategic director Neil Farmer was present alongside Cllr Trevor Watts, lead member for economy and Cllr Sue Spittle, portfolio holder for housing. Both councillors are members of the planning control committee.

Christchurch council said the meeting was called by Beagle and focused on the business including the retention of existing as well as new jobs.

John Taylor, managing director of Beagle Technology Group said: “The meeting is pre-arranged.

“I have been very keen to speak to the council for a long time about the new markets and new products we are developing into and therefore bringing new employment into the area.

“It is not connected to the planning application; I am not involved with the planning application side.

“My priority is the future of Beagle and ensuring the security of the current jobholders and new jobs and I think it is important the local councillors understand the issues.”

A spokesperson for Christchurch Borough Council said the meeting would not infringe planning law of pre-judgement as it was not about the newly revised scheme.

“We have made it clear to Beagle that the meeting should not include any discussion which relates to a planning application either past or future,” the spokesperson added.