COLEFORD based developer, P&D Builders, has submitted a planning application to Forest of Dean District Council for a new 10,000 square foot town centre Tesco store on Lord's Hill, Coleford.

As previously reported in the Review the plans also include improvements to Pyart Court such as site access and shared 88 space town centre car park.

The outstanding question is what happens to the Post Office sited at the back of the leased Tesco Express building. A spokesman for P&D said the Post Office leases its part of the building and can remain if it deems it commercially viable. But if another national retailer (there is interest) wants to take over the whole site, the Post Office will need to move. Tesco says it will work to ensure there is a Post Office in Coleford, but it won't be in their proposed new store – possibly Pyart Court.

Tesco/P&D's planning submission follows several months of consultation with the local community and council officers, culminating in a two-day public exhibition held in April. Over 80 per cent of people who offered feedback at the event said that they support the plans. The vast majority also stated that a Tesco will encourage more people to shop in Coleford and visit the nearby shops in Market Square.

Commenting on the feedback, Coleford based developer Clive Bath said: "The plans have been very well received and are seen as a major boost for the town. Currently, about 60 per cent of the town's residents drive out of Coleford to do their main weekly food shopping. This new store will offer local people more choice and the free car park will enable them to shop more easily on the High Street.

"It is a huge investment for the town and will create a further 40 jobs and additional local employment during the construction phase. Many of the construction materials will also be sourced locally so there is a wider benefit for the Forest."

•If the plans are approved, the existing Tesco Express will close and all 20 staff will be offered employment at the new store. The operators of the Post Office, which is currently housed in the Express, have also made it clear that they want to remain in Coleford and are currently considering a number of options.

Sophie Akokhia, Tesco corporate affairs manager, said: "Discussions are ongoing about alternative sites close to the High Street. The Post Office also recognises the benefits of relocating since it offers the opportunity to move to more modern, purpose built facilities within the town that will better meet their customers' needs.

"In addition, there is the possibility that the Post Office would remain within the current shop alongside another national retailer that Tesco will help introduce to Coleford. This will mean that nothing changes but whatever the Post Office decides, both P&D Builders and Tesco are committed to ensuring that either option is as cost effective as possible."

If planning permission is granted, work on the new store could start early next year with the store opening in late 2012.