WEST Somerset is facing a potential supermarket war as a bid is launched to make Williton the location for a major retail development.

One of the district's oldest family-owned firms, agricultural machinery specialists J Gliddon and Sons, is behind a move to build a supermarket almost three times the size of the village's existing Co-Op store.

A formal application for outline planning permission for the proposed development was submitted to West Somerset Council on Wednesday - just over a week before the authority's planning committee is due to consider controversial plans for a Morrisons supermarket on land it owns at Vulcan Road in Minehead.

Gliddon's proposal would see the company's current premises in Bank Street transformed into a development boasting a total of 2,600 square metres of retail space.

The supermarket, which would be built to the rear of the 1.49 hectare site, would offer 1,366 square metres of net sales area - roughly half the size of the proposed Morrisons - around 205sq.m of which would be devoted to non-convenience goods.

A total of 175 parking spaces would be created, accessed by a new road junction, and, crucially, a pedestrian link to Fore Street, ensuring the store is considered within Williton's retail heart.

Under the scheme, the existing ironmongers run by Gliddon's would be retained but the adjoining 1950s shop and offices demolished and replaced with two new retail units with four flats above.

Company spokesman David Gliddon told the Free Press this week that he had been in talks with all the major supermarket chains and there was firm interest in the proposal.

He said he believed the development would help regenerate Williton, which had lost its position as a thriving centre.

"Williton has gone backwards over the last 30 years," said Mr Gliddon.

"I want to protect the existing businesses and I truly believe a supermarket of this size will enhance the retail scene and help the majority of them thrive.

"It will also attract new businesses in time because the number of people coming to shop in Williton will increase dramatically."

Mr Gliddon said his company's proposal would clearly have to be an important material consideration in the district council's consideration of the Morrisons scheme.

But he said even if Morrisons went ahead, there was still "oceans of business" to tap into.

"The potential tourist spend alone is huge - there are 9,000 bed spaces between St Audries and Blue Anchor - yet at the moment Williton is getting little benefit.

"We are losing out to Taunton, Bridgwater and Minehead, yet Williton has the catchment area to support a supermarket the size of the one we are proposing."

Mr Gliddon said the Williton development would also be a sustainable option, reducing traffic to neighbouring centres, retaining expenditure in the local economy and encouraging linked shopping because of its integration with the village centre.

An economic assessment commissioned by Mr Gliddon to support the scheme highlights the need for more jobs in the Williton area, with a greater proportion of people currently leaving the village for work than employed in it - an opposite scenario to Minehead.

Evidence is also provided to back up the need for the development with a retail assessment, while the issues of flooding, archaeology, transport and travel are also addressed.

The site is already designated for retail use and currently has planning consent - granted last year - for a mixed development of refurbished retail accommodation and around 90 new homes.

Mr Gliddon said he was absolutely confident that the proposal would be good for Williton.

" I believe it is an exciting development that will regenerate the area and attract more business to it.

"I wouldn't be doing this if I thought it would harm existing businesses. I am just fighting for Williton's survival."