SUPERMARKET giant Tesco will submit plans for a new store in a Suffolk town early next week, it has been revealed today.

Craig Robinson

SUPERMARKET giant Tesco will submit plans for a new store in a Suffolk town early next week, it has been revealed today.

The proposals to develop the Angel Link site in Halesworth will be handed to Waveney District Council on Monday.

The store will be 22,000 square feet - slightly smaller than the one in nearby Beccles - and is expected to generate around 200 jobs.

Nick Gellatly, corporate affairs manager for Tesco, said “I have been really encouraged by the many people who support our plans and can't wait for a new Tesco in town.

“It will offer a new choice of food shopping in Halesworth - that means the good quality, value for money we offer every day.”

Councillors are also set to decide next week if they will allow an extension of the town's Co-op.

“We're offering around 200 jobs, improved shopping choice and a free town centre car park,” Mr Gellatly continued. “There would be funding to help bring new community facilities to Halesworth. I'm certain that people will want to look at what we have to offer with what's on the table from the Co-op.”

A proposed agreement to be discussed with the district council would see money set aside to help fund building a community centre on the town centre Thoroughfare site or another location.

Tesco has been consulting with members of the public on its plans to build a store since the end of last year.

News of the proposed development has received a mixed response from traders and residents with some believing it will bring in shoppers while others think it will turn people away from the high street.

The environmentally sustainable green store design will reduce carbon emissions by at least 30% on older designs, Tesco say.

During consultation, the store was reduced in height by 1.2m to sit below the nearby Co-op and all adjacent buildings.

Views from the town centre and Blyth Valley will also be preserved and the store will not be visible from London Road.

The green store design combines a wooden frame, natural materials, new planting and water features to blend in with the rural nature of the area.

For more reaction see tomorrow's EADT.