SUPERMARKET giant Sainsbury's has submitted a fresh application to build a new store in St John's, Worcester.

The company has modified the plans, refused by Worcester City Council, for a supermarket and shoppers' car park on land at Swanpool Walk.

The revised scheme has a reduced sales area - 24,500sq ft compared to 26,000sq ft - two extra pedestrian crossings, across Swanpool Walk and across Malvern Road - and new parking arrangements.

"We're confident that our new proposals address the council's reasons for refusing our existing application - specifically its comments about traffic generation, safety and the potential impact of the development on existing amenities in the area," said Kevin Macmillan, of Sainsbury's Property Company.

After the council's refusal, on Friday, March 30, Sainsbury's decided to lodge an appeal with the Planning Inspectorate.

A separate application by the company to build a sports centre, youth club and all-weather pitch to replace existing facilities in Swanpool Walk was approved by councillors in April.

"Sainsbury's remains committed to replacing the existing facilities on the Swanpool Walk site with facilities of a similar or better standard on or close to the site," added Mr Macmillan.

"We also remain confident a new Sainsbury's will strengthen the choice of food shopping available to people living in the St John's area.

"In the meantime, Sainsbury's will continue to pursue its appeal on the original application."