UP TO 1,200 new jobs will be created in Andover under plans by the largest online food retailer in the world to make a £40m investment in the town.

Bosses at online supermarket Ocado have confirmed their interest in taking up distribution unit space on Andover’s Walworth Industrial Estate to the east of the town.

An application has been made to alter and extend plots 54 and 89 on South Way of the industrial estate to include a service yard and parking areas.

There will also be the installation of an ancillary plant and buildings, along with new landscaping and boundary treatment.

An Ocado spokesman said: “Ocado Group plc confirms that it has entered an application for planning consent concerning a site located at Walworth Business Park, in Andover.

“This location is one of several that Ocado is currently considering for future facilities to service its continued growth.”

Ocado focuses on home delivery of high-quality food, drink and household goods.

Since forming in 2000, its products include own-brand groceries from the Waitrose supermarket chain as well as a selection of name brand groceries and other items.