FOOD giant Asda is poised to create 300 new jobs in Brynmawr by applying to build a new store on the site of the town's Dunlop Semtex building.

Blaenau Gwent council has just received the outline application to build a 35,000 sq ft store with a restaurant - and a separate family pub with a garden overlooking the lake at the site.

The plans also include public parking for 500 cars and four more units to the side of the car park.

Council leader John Hopkins said he was "delighted" Asda had expressed an interest in the "prestigious" Lakeside site - where the former Dunlop Semtex factory stood until it was demolished more than two years ago.

The demolition of the landmark rubber factory with its distinctive domed roof caused controversy - and calls for action to develop its site.

Councillor Hopkins said: "A development of this nature will be a catalyst for regeneration, bringing hundreds of new jobs and even more visitors. "It will attract people from a wide area, keep shoppers in the town and prove a tremendous boost to Brynmawr."

Councillor Hopkins added the council and the Welsh Development Agency would expect a high-quality design to meet the demands of the masterplan for the site, which includes leisure facilities and housing.

The application will go to the planning committee, following consultation with town and community councillors in Brynmawr and in Nantyglo and Blaina, the Brynmawr Traders' Association, local chambers of trade, the public and other interested parties.

Paul Lowe, senior development surveyor for Asda, said: "We are delighted to be working in partnership with the developers, Chelverton, to bring this new retail outlet to Brynmawr, regenerating a key site which has lain vacant for some time.

"Obviously the application is at an early stage, but we hope that councils in the local community will welcome this application and significant investment that Asda and Chelverton want to make in the town."

Scores of four-bedroom houses have already been built on another part of the Lakeside site, by Persimmon, which are now said to be selling for between £170,000 and £190,000.