PLANS to build a new supermarket in Hook have changed following feedback from villagers, Sainsbury’s say.

The supermarket giant wants to build a 30,000 sq ft store to the north east of the village, on the corner between the A30 and the B3349 Griffin Way North. This would be part of a site that is also earmarked for 500 new homes.

Sainsbury’s said they have submitted a planning application to Hart District Council, which has to register it before it can appear on the district council website.

Changes include increased capacity at the London Road and Griffin Way roundabout, and a bigger access lane on Griffin Way North into the site.

Andrew Pepler, Sainsbury’s regional town planning manager, said: “We are really excited about our plans for a new store in Hook and I would like to thank everyone who responded to our consultation.

“The feedback from the local community has been invaluable in helping to bring forward a number of important changes to the plans.”

The company outlined their plans at a consultation event in November last year at Hook Community Centre in Ravenscroft, before sending out a four-page brochure to more than 10,000 homes in Hook and the surrounding villages.

A total of 1,836 forms were returned, of which 72 per cent were supportive of the store.

Sainsbury’s said the application includes a plan to make all four approaches to the London Road and Griffin Way roundabout wide enough to allow two cars to sit side-by-side.

The access lane on to the site in Griffin Way North will increase in length from 30m to 42m, while timber cladding will be used on certain exterior walls of the store and trees will be planted in the car park.