THE expansion of Tesco in Salterton Road by a quarter has been backed by civic planners.

N 1803 Tesco 221 DB

THE expansion of Tesco in Salterton Road by a quarter has been backed by civic planners.

On Monday they recommended approval on plans which will see the creation of 135 new jobs - to 455 - a mezzanine caf�, and new recycling centre.

The plans were resubmitted after East Devon District Council refused the plans, despite being originally backed by town councillors.

However since then plans for an Asda store fell through - so Tesco resubmitted their application.

Unsurprisingly town councillors once again endorsed the plans that would see floor space of the store increase from 5657 sq. m to 7795 sq. m.

The plans require the relocation of the petrol filling station, the demolition of the Glenorchy United Reformed Church new access, a reconfigured car par and a new traffic management system for the Salterton Road.

Councillor Malcolm Mitchell backed the plans but called for a new entrance for residents behind Tesco, in Madagascar Close.

Town manager Tony Collins backed the plans: "The current store is vastly over trading and cannot therefore provide the level of service to its current customer store.

"From an economic perspective I support the application."

The plans will now be considered by district planners and - and if passed the new facilities could be open for trade next year.

ENDS