An application has been submitted to build 248 new homes and a large supermarket in central Walthamstow.

The proposed development by Morrisons on the Alpha Business Centre site in South Grove includes buildings up to eight storeys high.

A car park with 321 spaces, and three further retail units will also be included, alongside ‘affordable’ flats.

The supermarket giant claims around 300 new jobs will be created, with unemployed people living in the area given priority.

Traders at nearby Walthamstow market are split over the development, with some claiming their trade could be hit, while others hope it would attract more people to the area.

Concerns have also been expressed about the height of the development.

Morrisons claim it has listened to the public during two consultations and changed the plans accordingly.

Morrisons development executive, Andrew Cooper, said: “We have worked hard over the last two years to design a high quality mixed-use regeneration scheme that will stand the test of time in Walthamstow.

“The submitted designs have evolved following detailed conversations both with local people, the local authority and other consultees including the Greater London Authority.”

If approved, the development is scheduled to open in spring 2016.

No date has been set for a decision.

Previous negotiations between the Waltham Forest Council and Sainsbury’s collapsed in 2011.