A SUPERMARKET chain’s plans to build a new store in Durham City have taken a step forward.

Asda has submitted a planning application to Durham County Council for the scheme in Dragon Lane, which is in the Dragonville area of the city.

The retail giant plans to be build on the former site of Mono Containers, not far from the area’s large Tesco store.

Asda is planning a store with a 45,000 sq ft sales area, a filling station and a 365- space car park.

The company says the scheme will provide up to 400 full and part-time jobs, regenerate a brownfield site and increase choice for shoppers in the city and beyond.

The company held a pre-application exhibition last year to explain its proposals to residents.

About 150 people attended and the firm says more than 95 per cent backed the scheme.

Asda’s Senior Property Communications Manager, Philip Bartram, said: “We are pleased to have now formally submitted our plans for the Dragon Lane site to Durham County Council.

“Hopefully this demonstrates to our many supporters that we are as committed to these plans as they are supportive of them.

“It’s been very encouraging to have noted the strength of positive interest from within the community and our aim is to repay that by delivering a great new store and creating new local jobs.

”As positive as the feedback has been so far, I would ask people to continue to let us have any questions or comments.

“All feedback is useful and we will continue to gather local views and keep local people informed throughout the planning process.

“To learn more about the Asda proposal, and have a say in what happens, people can visit the dedicated website – www.asdadurham.co.uk.”