ALMOST 60 jobs could be created if proposals for a supermarket are approved.

Manchester-based Realty Estates has lodged plans to build a food store and industrial units on the site of a disused warehouse in Butt Lane.

The developer says both Lidl and Netto have shown interest in opening a discount supermarket on the site in Linley Trading Estate, although no retailer has yet signed up to the scheme.

Realty Estates predicts that the store would employ about 57 people, with up to 276 more jobs created in the neighbouring units.

Rachel Edwards, from Realty Estates' planning consultants DPP, has written to Newcastle Borough Council saying the development would breathe new life into the site.

She said: "The current buildings comprise poor quality accommodation with a layout and construction type which is unsuitable for modern warehousing and manufacture use.

"Due to the fact the site has been vacant, it has been subject to heavy vandalism over the past two years and has become a security issue for the owners. As such, it is clear that if suitable use for the site is not found soon, it is likely to continue to be vandalised."

The proposed supermarket, which will be 14,600 sq ft in size, will be located at the front of the site, off Linley Road.

Ms Edwards said by attracting customers to the site, the supermarket would kick-start the development and make the other units more attractive to businesses.

She added: "With regards to the economic downturn, consumers have made a decisive switch in shopping habits, as they have reined back spending due to rising inflation and concerns about the banking system.

"Attitudes towards grocery discount retailing are becoming more favourable, and an increasing proportion of consumers seek low cost, value alternatives to their everyday purchases.

"The proposal will also provide a destination for those who may not have a car and cannot drive to Tesco, which is some distance away."

Realty Estates is proposing to build 14 industrial units to the rear of the site, varying in size from 5,000 sq ft to 10,000 sq ft. There will be 90 parking spaces serving the supermarket, with an additional 180 elsewhere on the site.

Dennis Richards, ward councillor for Butt Lane, said: "I haven't spoken to residents about these plans yet, so I don't know what the local feeling is, but I think in general we want to see this site developed rather than letting it become more derelict.

"Whether we need a supermarket here depends on whether the proposed new housing development goes ahead."

The application will be considered by planners at Newcastle Borough Council in the coming weeks.