Retailer Next – once touted to open in Wisbech- is one of the stores being suggested by developers hoping to build a mini retail park on the outskirts of March.

Contour planning describes the proposed shopping complex – on farm land opposite the Hostmoor entrance- as a “destination retail park which would attract high end retailers”.

The company has put together a detailed application to Fenland Council to use land owned by the Martin family to build Westry Retail Park in two phases. Up to 140 full time could be created.

Phase one would comprise four-five units with two stand-alone restaurants/take aways facing the A141; Contour believe “the likes of Costa Coffee/McDonalds etc” might occupy them.

Up to four further units would be added at a later date.

Contour say their proposals include a new roundabout on the A141 – which would make it easier for vehicles turning right from Host moor- but rejected traffic signals on the grounds they would “not provide adequate capacity”.

Earlier this year Contour showed an outline of their proposals to visitors at an exhibition in March attended by some 55 people – including councillors.

They company says of the 20 visitors who filled in a comments card, the vast majority were in favour.

However concerns raised included traffic and impact on town centre shops whilst another visitor suggested a cinema might be included.

Contour said landscape/bunding had been extended in their formal application following public comments. The firm also refuted a suggestion in one comment that the public exhibition had been not well advertised.

They said notices of the exhibition had been placed in newspapers the week before the event.