A new Next superstore could create up to 250 jobs.

Plans for the store at Handforth Dean include a conservatory, garden centre, coffee shop and parking.

The development, on undeveloped land owned by Cheshire East Council off the A34, would create up to 250 full and part-time jobs.

A small number of the staff would transfer over from the Next store at nearby Stanley Green, but the vast majority of of the jobs will be new positions.

A planning application hasbeen submitted to Cheshire East Council by the clothes chain, which hopes the store will open next year.

Coun Barry Burkhill, who represents Handforth, welcomed the news.

He said: “We believe that it will further diversify the shopping experience of Handforth Dean, provide the opportunity for much-needed jobs for local residents and leave enough employment land, with other local sites, for Handforth’s future needs.

“We hope that Next will give priority to local people for jobs.”

The site has been subject to previous mixed-use development plans that have been refused planning permission.

In the meantime, the land has been used for airport parking.

Eric Pickles, Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government, has been invited to comment on the plans.

A decision will then be made under delegated powers by Steve Irvine, the council’s planning and shaping manager, in consultation with Coun Harold Davenport, chairman of the strategic planning board.

No date for a final decision has been set.

Following calls from ward councillors, Handforth Parish Council and cycling groups, the plans include funding towards community projects and better cycle routes.

This includes agreement by Next to provide £15,000 for improvements at Meriton Road Park, Henbury Road and Spath Lane, and £15,000 for recreation facilities at Meriton Road Park and Spath Lane.

Footpaths and cycle path will also be upgraded, but the precise details are to be finalised.

There will be £205,000 spent on improvements to bus services to and from the site and £30,000 for new bus stops on Earl Road.

Coun Burkhill added: “We would like to see a balanced distribution of the money from the approval for the needs of Handforth, particularly to include the enhancement of the recreation and sports area round the youth centre, which has fallen into decline.

“As the present road junctions are operating at capacity we welcome mitigation to alleviate the congestion already present and likely to increase with this and future development.”

A Next spokesman said traffic consultants would work with Cheshire East Council during the project.

He said: “This will ensure that the development of new store does not have an adverse impact on traffic movements in the area.”