Fullbridge Tesco expansion could create 50 jobs (From Gazette)

Fullbridge Tesco expansion could create 50 jobs

12:00pm Monday 6th July 2009

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A NEW plan to extend a supermarket in Maldon could create 50 jobs.

Tesco has scrapped one proposal to extend its store in Fullbridge, and has now launched a fresh scheme.

The new version, if agreed by Maldon District Council, would see the floor area increase from 6,422 sq m to 8,539 sq m – an increase of about a third.

If the scheme gets the go-ahead, 50 new jobs could be created, while the sales floor, cafe and car park would be expanded to meet public demand.

Planning consultants GL Hearn, which submitted the application on behalf of Tesco, stated the increase in floor space was agreed by the central area planning committee for Maldon District Council, in March, so “should therefore not be in question now”.

The application also allows for 62 additional car parking spaces – with nine extra disabled bays – bringing the total to more than 600.

GL Hearn claims the new plan is preferable to the previous one, which it says would have caused “significant disruption to visiting customers” as it included four separate extensions.

The new proposed extension “is concentrated along a single elevation, resulting in less disruption”, the statement adds.

The consultants also summarised the reasons Tesco want to extend. The application states: “The Maldon store has proved itself to be popular.

“However, a common complaint is some popular lines frequently run out and are consequently unavailable to customers.

“The store needs additional sales and storage areas to cater with this demand.

“Accordingly, the scale and amount of extension is considered to be appropriate to the size of the available space, surrounding locality and customer demand.”

The application is expected to be ruled on in September.

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