A SUPERMARKET chain has unveiled plans for an extension to one of its York stores which could see 40 new jobs being created.

Sainsbury’s is hoping to win permission to revamp its Foss Bank base in the centre of the city and increase the amount of floorspace it offers by 10,000sq ft.

If the plans are approved by City of York Council, the refurbishment, which is expected to involve a seven-figure outlay by the chain, would see the store’s layout altered and the sales area extended into part of the site next to Agar Street which is currently used as a service yard.

The proposals also involve a new online delivery facility and loading bay, as well as improvements to the car park and new trolley storage shelters. Sainsbury’s held a public exhibition earlier this year to showcase its intentions for the store.

Other work within the store building itself will see improved customer toilets and baby-changing facilities being installed. A decision on whether the scheme can go ahead is expected to be made by council planners next month.

“The store extension works will provide new and improved goods online delivery facilities to allow Sainsbury’s to provide an improved customer offer and enlarged stock provision,” said a design and access statement submitted to the council by Hadfield Cawkwell Davidson, the Sheffield-based architects acting for the company.

“The site’s location within the central historic core conservation area is a consideration. The proposed development will aim to enhance and extend the functionality and use of the site and improve the general appearance of the conservation area in a number of ways.”

The firm also said the extensions would be no higher than the store’s current buildings.