A major food retailer is nearing completion of its application for a new outlet at a prominent town centre location.

Local people in Peacehaven have repeatedly urged the chain to push forward with the long-stalled Morrisons development on the site of the former Meridian Centre.

Earlier this year, the company restated its dedication to the location, indicating it hoped Lewes District Council’s planning panel would examine the updated proposals during June.

An update from Morrisons indicates the firm is in the last phases of polishing its application prior to submission.

For some time now, locals have been pushing for the store to be constructed.

A company spokesperson stated that their development team is presently finalising the plans.

To incorporate all the responses received, the revised application will now be filed with Lewes District Council by mid-May, with the expectation that the scheme can be presented to the planning committee promptly thereafter.

This additional period will enable the team to guarantee that the modifications to the proposals closely match community objectives and provide the optimal result for Peacehaven residents.

Proposals to transform the Meridian Centre in Peacehaven into a 27,000-square-foot Morrisons outlet initially secured approval from Lewes District Council in April 2023, with construction anticipated to commence in September 2024.

By October 2025, Morrisons maintained its dedication to the scheme but recognised the hold-ups, attributing them to supply chain difficulties and workforce constraints.

Subsequently, residents have applied increasing pressure on the company to advance with the development.

Chris Ward, MP for Brighton Kemptown and Peacehaven, has been particularly vocal about the matter, previously describing the persistent delays as absurd.

Mr Ward headed a campaign with more than 2,000 signatories and took part in a demonstration in September calling on the company to either construct the store or sell the site.