Plans for a new Morrisons supermarket in Shoreham have moved one step closer to completion.

Quora Developments Ltd and Morrisons have submitted their planning application to Adur District Council for a mixed use development on the section of Brighton Road, Shoreham, currently occupied by Frosts Garage and Minelco Chemicals.

The proposal was consulted on last month, with nearly 1,000 people attending the two day exhibition. Of those attending, 71% supported the proposal, 23% were opposed and 6% made no response.

The first phase of the application involves building a Morrisons supermarket with a 438-space car park, a petrol station/car wash, a riverside-facing café and terrace.

It is hoped that up to 375 new jobs will be created.

A planning condition with Adur District Council will allow up to three hours free car parking on site.

There would also be eight newflats and two small retail units.

Phase two involves building 62 new flats with associated car parking and landscaping, along with commercial development to accommodate the relocation of Frosts.

Ben Ellis of Quora Development Ltd said: “The planning application which we have submitted is the result of 18 months evolution and consultation both in terms of content and design.

“The delivery of a new food store, as close to the town centre as could possibly be located, will not only provide choice and competition to consumers but presents a real opportunity for local people to make linked trips to the town centre, increasing footfall and boosting its vitality.

With the development’s approach to car parking management and commitment to invest in and improve the public realm via the S106 Agreement, this proposal represents a real lifeline for the shops and services of the town centre.”

David Bevan of Morrisons said: “We are delighted to be part of this proposal. We have been overwhelmed with the level of public support for these plans and the warm welcome Morrisons have been given.

“Let’s now hope for a speedy and positive determination of this application so we can get on and deliver a new store which we would like to see open in the Spring of 2015.”