MAJOR plans for a new Morrisons supermarket were unveiled to residents in Christchurch – for the third time.

Developers and representatives from the supermarket were on hand to explain how they had changed the original scheme for the food store at the Beagle site in Stony Lane.

A public exhibition event was held at the Kings Arms Hotel in Christchurch on Wednesday after-noon, with residents keen to find out more about the proposal.

In October last year, councillors at Christchurch turned down the food store plans for a second time, after their first decisions on three major supermarket plans were scrapped when officers received threats of legal action.

Simons Group, which is handling the application on behalf of Morrisons, then withdrew an appeal over the refusal decision earlier this year.

Chris Newsome, developments director said: “We have listened to all the concerns.

“Of course we were very disappointed not to get consent last time but we have made significant changes to the plans.

“Previously there were three floors, now there are two and the building is now the same height as the existing facility.

“We have moved the building to the back of the site away from the main road.

“There are no windows at the rear now and overall it is a much better scheme.

“Service lorries will not come near Bridge Street and will enter via Stony Lane roundabout.

“The two shops will on Bridge Street with the pedestrian boulevard coming out on to Bridge Street as well.

“For the people of Christchurch this is an improvement and the plans have been well received.”

If they get the go-ahead, Morrisons say the food store would provide 300 new jobs, with Beagle Technology still committed to relocating within the borough of Christchurch.

It is hoped the scheme will go before councillors on the planning committee in November.