Plans are moving forward for a new retail park on the site where a Sainsbury’s supermarket was once planned.

Developers say it will create more than 200 jobs.

A detailed planning application for a £30 million development on Medway City Estate has now been submitted.

It would include five shops and four smaller units for food and drink outlets.

Sainsbury’s was previously granted permission for a 100,000 sq ft store on the site off Anthony’s Way, together with a new park-and-ride facility, following previous permissions for B&Q and a larger retail park.

But plans have been thwarted over the past 10 years due to costs of developing the site, including the controversial infilling of Whitewall Creek.

However, the new smaller scheme does not require either the creek or the park and ride.

The new retail park could be open in autumn 2018.

The firm behind the plans, Kent-based Location 3 Properties, said it would make significant improvements to Anthony’s Way, including new footpaths, a bus stop, road widening and traffic lights.

The 74,000sq ft development has already been let to national retailers, who will be identified later this year, and around 225 new jobs could be created in addition to those during the construction period.

Location 3 managing director Colin Thacker said: “Medway Council has well publicised ambitions and plans to regenerate the area, and this is another sign of confidence in Medway, that we have attracted a host of new names to the towns who see the potential.

“Developing a landfill site that has stood empty for many years can only be good news.”