A SUPERMARKET is to carry out further research among Southampton people following the announcement of its plans to redevelop the site of a former bus depot in the city.

The planned telephone research - which will sample a cross-section of 1,000 residents from the 10,000 households across Portswood, Swaythling, Bevois Valley and Bassett - will examine local people's shopping habits.

Last year Sainsbury's outlined proposals to build a food store at the site of the former Portswood bus depot in Portswood Road.

The plans include a 398-space car park, 46 units of student accommodation, 96 residential flats of varying sizes, a children's play area and an outdoor piazza with seating.

Chris Templeman, Sainsbury's regional head of development, said: "The survey builds on the comprehensive public consultation programme we undertook late last year.

"After an exhibition attended by almost 450 people, with 189 completed questionnaires, we were able to determine that 68 per cent of respondents believed Sainsbury's proposals would benefit the Portswood area.

"We are confident that this additional research will also affirm not only a desire but, importantly, a need for the proposals."

To provide comment or obtain an update on the Portswood Bus Depot proposals, call 020 7529 1714.