NEW plans for a Tesco supermarket on Portland are to be submitted to council planners.

The retailer has confirmed one of its stores is part of proposals that include a housing development and care home on the site of at Easton.

Developers have been in pre-application discussions with Weymouth and Portland Borough Council, which is now awaiting the plans.

Tesco spokesman Melanie Chiswell said: "We hope to retain shoppers at Easton and Portland and stop them from doing their shopping in Weymouth.

"Our research says that 80 per cent currently carry out their main food shop in Weymouth.

"Despite early concerns of local traders we actually think it will help them because it will keep people on Portland.

"We find that people doing their main food shop do their other food shopping at the same time.

"So they will stay and do their other food shopping close by.

"We hope other retailers in the local area will see it as a chance to make the most of the opportunity to attract people who are staying on the Island and not see this as a threat."

The plans for the development on the site of the Stone Firms factory are expected to include 12 affordable homes and a further 24 properties ranging from one-bedroom flats to four-bedroom houses.

Developer Chelverton Deeley Freed showcased its ideas to residents last year, revealing plans for a 30,000 square foot store at Bottomcombe Quarry.

Director Paddy Fox said: "We are in the process of finalising our proposals after almost two years of extensive local consultation.

"Our proposed store will give islanders the opportunity to carry out their principal food shop without having to leave the island at a significant cost in both time and fuel.

"Our consultation responses have shown that a significant majority support our proposals which we strongly believe will be beneficial to both the island and Easton centre."

If permission is granted Chelverten Deeley Freed hopes building work will be completed in 2009.

As part of the deal site owner Stone Firms Ltd will move its Park Road operations to Easton Lane or Bumpers Lane.

After the exhibition of plans last year residents raised fears of parking restrictions, noise pollution and the loss of smaller shops. The Keep Easton Alive group said 2,500 extra vehicles travelling through Easton each day would put visitors to a health centre and school at risk.

Weymouth and Portland Borough Council spokesman for environment Doug Hollings said: "I can confirm planning officers have been in pre-application discussions with the developer and their consultants regarding planning requirements and planning policy issues.

"We are now at the stage where we are expecting the submission of a planning application. Once this has been received residents will have a chance to comment."