A NEW supermarket is a step closer to being built in Bourton after being backed by the parish council.

Supermarket chain Midcounties Co-Operative is hoping to demolish the former Salmonsbury House care home site in Station Road to make way for a new single-storey food store.

The firm says the project would bring a boost to Bourton and help stop people leaving the village to shop elsewhere.

But concerns have been raised locally about noise and the safety implications of increased traffic.

Discussing the plans at a parish council meeting, Bourton’s district councillor, Len Wilkins, said: “I’ve been getting lots of concerns about safety and noise.

“Local residents are worried about the standard of living and their quality of life is going to be reduced.”

Although he said he was aware of the concerns, parish council chairman Bryan Sumner said the council is in favour of the plans.

However he does want issues relating to traffic and vehicles entering and exiting the site to be examined in closer detail.

Plans include a 100-space car park and an entrance from Station Road.

Part of the site comprises land which was occupied by the old Erskine Ward – which has now been demolished – and is linked to the former Moore Cottage Hospital.

Steve Cox, director of Gould Singleton architects working on the plans, said after sending further information to highways officers,the visibility at the access is now considered acceptable.

“All problems have been resolved,”

he said.

A design and access statement submitted in support of the application says: “We believe the site would further enhance the retail provision of the village centre and with increased ranges within the store, would strengthen arguments of people having not to look out of Bourton for food retail facilities.”

The final decision on the plans will be made by Cotswold District Council.