10 December 2012 Last updated at 17:15 ET

Midsomer Norton car park sell-off plans for new supermarket

A car park in Midsomer Norton is set to be sold off by a Somerset council to make way for a new town supermarket.

Bath and North East Somerset Council has said the South Road site will be sold as part of plans to encourage more shoppers into the town centre.

The proposals are supported by the town council and are part of the overall growth blueprint.

Although the council has expressed hope for a new store, planning permission is still needed before it can be built.

Cabinet member, Cherry Beath (Lib-Dem) said the plans were a priority for Midsomer Norton.

She added: "We seek to encourage projects that will promote new investment, jobs, and opportunities for local people in their communities.

"Releasing South Road Car Park for a supermarket will help increase footfall on the High Street as residents and visitors to the town are offered more choice in their weekly food shop.

"The development will also connect the High Street with South Road much more strongly and give the opportunity for the council to progress our wider regeneration plans."

The site will be marketed next February and a new store could open by 2016, the council said.