The regeneration of the 204 acre Clay Cross, Derbyshire is moving forward after St Modwen applied for planning consent for a 21,500 sq ft discount food store and restaurant on the A61.

St. Modwen is undertaking this significant development on the brownfield site in order to bring new residents and job opportunities to this area of Derbyshire. It confirmed that it is in advanced negotiations with a national operator to include a family pub on land opposite the retail site with wider plans seeing the development of 980 new homes, as well as 270,000 sq ft of employment space.

Up to 700 jobs are expected to be created as part of the overall development, and more than 200 jobs per year will be supported during the construction phase of the project.

David Dodge, senior residential development surveyor at St. Modwen, said: "Our consultation with existing residents highlighted that there was considerable support for a discount food store and a fast food restaurant at Clay Cross.  

"Our view is that there is capacity for the food store and restaurant in the local area and that this development will create up to 70 new jobs."

St. Modwen bought the Clay Cross site with its existing planning consent in 2013 and has focused on reviewing the existing plans. The site comprises three areas, the former Bi-water Pipeworks, land off Derby Road and the former Egstow Quarry.

Should planning consent be granted, work could begin in spring 2015 on the new discount food store and drive through restaurant.