STORE wars look like they are coming to Glossop.

Sainsbury’s has signed a joint venture with developer Glossop Land to open a store in the town centre.

With Tesco and Co-op already in the town, Sainsbury’s — planning permission permitting — is set to compete for customers.

The proposed development is intended to follow the Howard Town Mill, off Victoria Street, which is scheduled for completion later this year.

This comprises restaurants, retail, leisure and residential units, which are now set to be centred around the proposed Sainsbury’s store on land next to the historic Woods Mill.

The development agreement means that the two companies can now start work on a planning application which will be submitted to High Peak Council over the coming months.

Sainsbury’s would not comment on the proposal at this stage but Mike Ryan, director of Glossop Land and B&R Developments, said: "Securing the commitment of Sainsbury’s means that the regeneration of Glossop town centre can now be realistically achieved, bringing quality high street retailers, restaurants and bar operators such as Barracuda, which already signed up for space in Howard Town Mill.

"New leisure facilities and much-needed affordable housing are also planned for the site.

"We have worked very closely with High Peak Borough Council for over five years to deliver Howard Town Mill and will continue to do so with the remainder of the regeneration of Glossop town centre."

He added: "It cannot be underestimated how important the securing of Sainsbury’s is to the potential successful redevelopment of these sites and to Glossop as a whole and the important and exciting benefits and opportunities this will bring to the town."