DOZENS of new jobs could be brought to Portishead if plans to develop an empty retail unit get the go ahead. Developers Rowe and Co (Cornwall) Properties Ltd has submitted plans to demolish a building at 1 Old Mill Road and turn it into several retail uni

DOZENS of new jobs could be brought to Portishead if plans to develop an empty retail unit get the go ahead.Developers Rowe and Co (Cornwall) Properties Ltd has submitted plans to demolish a building at 1 Old Mill Road and turn it into several retail units with 78 car parking spaces.Details on which retailers want to take the units have yet to be disclosed, but it is understood that if the plans get the go-ahead, it could bring 40 new jobs to the town.It is believed up until recently the building has been used for storage and distribution purposes but has been vacant for the last six months.The application has sparked concern from bosses at Waitrose who say the development will create traffic problems in the area.In a letter to North Somerset Council, Waitrose property manager Mr Banham said: "The traffic generation from this proposed development in our opinion, will create additional pressure on the junction between Old Mill Road and Wyndham Way, over and above that stated in the application."Waitrose has also asked planners to impose a restriction of the range of goods sold from the units to protect the vitality of existing stores in the area.The application is due to be discussed by councillors next month.