A LANDMARK superstore's bid for extension is today facing a tough battle to get permission to develop the site.Silver-panelled and curved walls are proposed, to enclose an extension which would boost floor space at Asda in Bury Road by 39 per cent.

A LANDMARK superstore's bid for extension is today facing a tough battle to get permission to develop the site.

Silver-panelled and curved walls are proposed, to enclose an extension which would boost floor space at Asda in Bury Road by 39 per cent.

The store is so successful that it is currently overtrading by £11.2million in excess of the company average.

Most space would be taken by increased stocks of non-food goods, including George clothing and concessions.

The extension would also bring 87 extra car parking spaces which would involve removing trees recently made the subject of preservation orders. An objection has been received by Ipswich Borough Council, to reduce the order to cover 25, instead of 43 trees.

But councillors at a development control committee meeting tomorrow will be recommended to refuse the application, and keep the tree preservation order as it was made.

A report to be considered states: "This is a prominent building with architectural interest. The forms –square and curved – of the extensions…will be an attractive feature. However, the cladding system would not appear to be a good match to the existing.

"Furthermore, the loss of the existing roof column features would reduce the attractiveness of the building by increasing its 'box-like' appearance."

It adds that planting is only just becoming established many years after the store was built, and to remove trees would destroy the landscaped setting.

Councillors will hear there is 'no compelling need' for the extension, because the refurbished Morrison's shop at Boss Hall should provide enough new food shopping, and food retailers will be encouraged to open in the future Mint Quarter development.