Plans have been submitted for a major expansion to an Angus supermarket that could create 30 new jobs.
Morrisons in Arbroath will be extended to include a larger store and reconfigured car park, if their application to Angus Council is approved.
A new extension would see the existing staff accommodation shifted to the south of the store to create a bigger shopping area.
The main entrance would remain in place, though a glazed entry feature is proposed between the two large columns there. Permission for similar development was granted in 2001 and renewed in 2006, but was allowed to lapse.
An exhibition was held in the store on June 21 to provide the public with information on the plans. Feedback forms were handed out to canvas local views and a comments box was in place.
The results of an in-store questionnaire showed 101 of 105 people were in favour of the development with just one person against and three undecided.
A section in the planning and retail statement said: “The extension to the store will contribute to the settlement strategy of Arbroath in terms of maintaining expenditure within Arbroath, in an edge of centre location, allowing for linked trips to the town centre and improving and existing, well established and popular store.
“Analysis of the (public) responses confirms that the predominant comments that customers/visitors made related to the strong opinion that the store is currently too cramped, aisles are too narrow and that the store requires to be brought up to date.
“The store is currently overtrading and visible indicators of this include congested aisles, a busy cafe and high footfall throughout the day.”
If approved the work could begin next summer and be completed by autumn. Around 80% of the sales floor area would be earmarked for convenience goods with 20% for other items.
There would be a covered trolley storage area, improved facilities for disabled people, additional parent and child provision and a more modern checkout zone.
The “Market Street” area would have additional produce tables and a more spacious layout.