WILLITON businessman David Gliddon looks set to go head-to-head with local traders once again when he unveils new plans for a supermarket in the village next week.

Last year, district council planners rejected a bid by J Gliddon and Sons for outline planning permission for a store which would have been just under half the size of Minehead's Morrisons.

They rejected arguments that the project would generate new jobs and revitalise the village centre, and instead ruled that it would decimate existing businesses.

But agents acting on behalf of Mr Gliddon will be unveiling new plans for a supermarket, shops and public open space at an exhibition in Williton Library on Tuesday.

They claim new evidence has been used to calculate the need for a new store, while better pedestrian links are proposed between the site off Bank Street and the main shopping area in Fore Street.

Previously, Mr Gliddon had earmarked a 1.5 hectare site which included his existing agricultural machinery business for a supermarket, together with a number of smaller retail units, offices, three flats, a 175-space car park and a mini roundabout, along with a pedestrian link to Fore Street.

It is not yet known what the new plans entail and people are being encouraged to attend the exhibition to find out more.

The agents said: "A more recent survey of shopping and tourist spending patterns has informed the size of the store while enabling Williton to sustainably enhance its role as a rural centre.

"Improved pedestrian linkage between Fore Street will ensure that the new shops, commercial units and supermarket are fully integrated within the main shopping street.

"An enlarged public 'square' with adjacent shops will increase the quality of the public realm and the overall environment of Williton, including the regeneration of a brownfield site."

The exhibition takes place between 11.30am and 6.30pm, with members of the project team available to answer questions.