A LARGE scale plan to build new shops at Birchwood Shopping Centre has been tipped to help it remain as a 'leading business location in the region' by a council executive board member.

Birchwood Warrington Ltd has submitted an outline planning application to Warrington Borough Council to overhaul the centre, on Benson Road.

Cllr Russ Bowden (LAB - Birchwood), who is also in charge of the council's budget, is backing the proposal which would see the introduction of additional stores, extra parking and an Asda Click and Collect service.

Three stores could be constructed between the existing McDonald's and the mall, while there may also be a new entrance at the eastern side, with extra smaller shop space added for mobile phone kiosks and coffee sites.

If planning permission is authorised part of the existing complex would have to be demolished.

A design and access statement submitted in support of the proposed construction revealed plans to demolish part of the existing L-shaped building next to the eastern entrance.

Such a move would free up space for development of a new area with five units, which has been tipped to help sustain growth for the town by Cllr Bowden.

"We are supportive of the plans for the Birchwood Shopping Centre - it is an important retail centre that supports Warrington's local economy," he said.

"The expansion provides job opportunities and a wider range of shops for local people and it also fits well with maintaining Birchwood as a leading business location in the region.

"We look forward to the business sector fulfilling a role here and supporting Birchwood.

"It would be great to see them work with us in developing the centre, while also addressing car parking for Birchwood Medical Centre and providing facilities for community groups."

The project also involves additional parking across the site, as well as plans to convert a parking area to the south of Asda into a Click and Collect service facility to allow goods to be delivered directly to customers.

The statement said: "The proposed redevelopment marks the next phase of expansion, improvement and reconciliation of the existing shopping centre.

"The proposals are intended to aim to resolve problematic areas of the site which have been identified and to provide areas of expansion to satisfy growing demand for additional and modern retail floor space within the site."

The statement has also placed safety to shoppers, in the event of an emergency, as a top priority.

It added: "All existing fire escape routes are to be maintain and any existing fire escape routes which are made redundant by any element of the works will be suitably replaced to comply with all local fire service requirements.

"All proposals describe in this document have been tailored to ensure that access to the existing and new areas of the shopping centre for emergency vehicles is unchanged."

Northmill Associates has been working as the architect on the scheme, with Zerum Consult serving as planning, utilities and sustainability consultant, and Travel Plan Services acting as the transport and highways consultant.

The planning application was registered on June 2, with the consultation period set to end on June 30.

The plans will be discussed by councillors later this summer.