MORE than 100 flats could be built above a new supermarket in Wickford, developers have revealed.

Last September, plans were approved to redevelop the Co-op shop off Wickford High Street, and replace it with a new Morrisons store.

Now, Heriot UK has unveiled fresh plans to build the new supermarket which include 134 flats in a series of blocks above the shop.

The closure of the Co-op store came at the same time as Aldi, in Wickford’s Broadway, closed for an eight-month long refurbishment - leaving Wickford residents “without a supermarket” in the town centre.

Alex Myers, councillor responsible for the Wickford Castledon ward, “Since planning permission was granted last September this development has been a source of frustration for myself and the residents of Wickford, especially coinciding with the timing of the replacement Aldi store works.

“It is disappointing that it has now taken nearly a year for these fresh plans to be drawn up and only now has public consultation started.

“I would urge as many residents as possible to take part in their survey or to attend one of the two public events. This is unlikely to reach the council’s planning committee until the middle of next year.”

Previously approved plans only included the new Morrisons, however the fresh plan includes a five to seven storey block of 134 flats above the shop.

Despite Morrisons previously being announced, Heriot UK said they have been “in discussions with all the major food operations” and will make a formal announcement once all contractual arrangements have been finalised.

Mark Francois, MP for Rayleigh and Wickford, has recently met with Aldi bosses in a bid to ensure the supermarket refurbishment is complete as soon as possible for Wickford residents.

He claims supermarket bosses have insisted it remains on track to open on November 30.

He said: “During the meeting, I explained that the timing of the re-opening, following a £4 million investment to upgrade the store, has taken on added significance, given the ‘perfect storm’ which shoppers in Wickford are currently facing, with both major supermarkets closed and Wickford market being relocated to a new home. In summary, I was greatly reassured to receive strong commitments from Aldi’s senior management that they are fully determined to keep to their original timescale.”

A public exhibition will be held at The Nevendon Centre, Nevendon Road, on August 31, between 3pm to 8pm and September 1 between 10am to 4pm.