SAINSBURY’S wants to increase the size of its new superstore earmarked for Southend United’s Roots Hall ground.

Bosses have submitted an application to Southend Council asking for permission to change the conditions.

It wants the size of the planned store to be increased by another 472sqm so the floor space would total 10,585sqm.

This in turn would mean the loss of five car parking spaces, taking the total down to 604.

Sainsbury’s also asked to change a chemist agreed for the store to a creche, known as an Explore Learning Centre.

The chain has outline permission, granted in June last year, to build at the ground once the Blues move to a new stadium at Fossetts Farm.

However, the alterations are being sought to firm up the final plan.

A spokesman said: “Sainsbury’s has already been granted permission for developing the land.

“However, the only thing which is set in stone is the access to and from the site.

“What these proposed changes allow is fine tuning to the final plans and this is something the company is entitled to do.

“These changes still have to go through the standard planning processes and be granted permission.”

Once the football club move to their new home, workmen are set to demolish the stadium, which opened in 1955, along with flats in St Mary’s Court, shops in Victoria Avenue and the Prospects College building, in Fairfax Drive.

Along with the supermarket, 270 homes are set to be part of the venture, which is partially funding the Fossetts Farm move.