SUPERMARKET giant Morrisons has revealed plans for a new store in Cumbernauld.

The retailer has lodged an outline planning application with North Lanarkshire Council for a multi-million pound outlet at Westfield.

The company say the plan has been given the overwhelming support of residents at two public consultation exhibitions.

Morrisons carried out extensive pre-application consultation, with both North Lanarkshire Council and the public, staging two public exhibition events in Broadwood Stadium and a mail drop to local people. Cumbernauld residents were particularly keen to see more shopping choice in the area with 99% of respondents expressing their wish to see increased variety.

If councillors approve the plan, the development would bring a disused retail site into use. The company says it hopes planning consent can be secured later this year for a 2014 start on its construction.

It is expected the shop would create 300 jobs.

Development executive for Morrisons Richard Bakes said: "We are delighted that our planning application has been submitted bringing us a step closer to bring our 'Fresh Market' offering to Cumbernauld."