A RETAIL giant has denied it could be involved in a major Clacton development.

Developer Britton Construction has submitted plans for a major scheme in Clacton, including a cinema complex and a supermarket.

And Britton bosses said they were talking to Asda about the chain running the supermarket within the Clacton Gateway development.

But Asda has distanced itself from the project, with chiefs saying they were approached but will not be involved.

Instead they are looking to demolish an existing Co-op store in Clacton and build an Asda on the site.

A deal is already in place with Co-op if the scheme is given planning approval.

An Asda spokesman said: “To clarify the situation, Asda was approached by someone representing Britton Construction, in the hope of bringing us on board with their proposal.

“This approach was never followed up by Asda, much less did it lead to advanced negotiations.

“Asda has had an interest in opening a new store in Clacton for some time, and we are fully committed to our aspirations regarding the current Co-op store site on Bull Hill Road.

“We believe it is the best location in Clacton for an Asda store. Further details of our plans will be confirmed and publicised very soon.”