Blueprints have been submitted to Medway Council to build a retail development on land at Medway City Estate in Strood, once earmarked for a giant Sainsbury’s.

The supermarket chain pulled the plug on a 64,000sq ft store in January last year.

The land was sold earlier this year to an undisclosed buyer, with the 12.5 acre plot being marketed as still being for retail use.

Now plans have been revealed for a parade of six new shops, including a pet store.

The possible future tenants have not been finalised but the developer, Location 3 Properties, has said most will be “new to the Medway area”. As well as a pet shop, they are likely to include a discount food store, textiles retailer and homeware store.

The plans include 367 car parking spaces for customers and staff.

Sainsbury’s had planned to fill in Whitewall Creek to build on but the huge cost involved is thought to be one of the reasons the retailer changed its mind. The new plans are much smaller in size so do not require building on the creek.