FEARS that expansion plans for Kesgrave's Tesco superstore could lead to traffic chaos have been denied by the store bosses.The multi-million pound redevelopment of the store on Ropes Drive would see a 6,000 square-foot extension attached to the existing building, with another 40 spaces added to the car park.

FEARS that expansion plans for Kesgrave's Tesco superstore could lead to traffic chaos have been denied by the store bosses.

The multi-million pound redevelopment of the store on Ropes Drive would see a 6,000 square-foot extension attached to the existing building, with another 40 spaces added to the car park.

The plans were discussed at a meeting of Kesgrave Town Council on Monday evening.

Town council chairman Don Whinney expressed concerns that the development would attract more customers, causing the surrounding roads to be flooded with extra vehicles.

Colin Forfit, regional extension controller of Tesco, denied this.

He said that it was unlikely that any extra deliveries would be made to the store and that few extra customers would be attracted.

He said: "When we expand our stores we don't find that more people come to the store, but that people spend more time in there."

The current library, which is housed in temporary structure, will be moved further along Ropes Drive in the plans.

A request was made for Tesco to assist the Town Council in improving the facility, although Mr Forfit could make no promises.

He said: "We will have to look at our budget, but we can say that it will be better when we have finished with it than it is now."

The extension, which would be in keeping with the current brick and tile elevations, would be attached to the eastern side of the building and stretch alongside Ropes Drive.

Extra checkouts, an increased sales area, a more spacious customer service desk and new restaurants and toilets would be included in the extension. More storage and office space would be included at the back of the building.

A survey is to be undertaken to determine the need for extra cycle storage, while requests for an additional trolley park on the Rupert Fison side of the development and the widening of the road exiting the store were also made.

It was pointed out that many cars overlap the verge at present and it was suggested that a central reservation be added to a widened road.

Veronica Read, clerk of Kesgrave Town Council, said: "The town council were interested to hear the responses made by the Tesco representatives. We look forward to seeing how many of our requests are met."

A decision on whether to grant planning permission is likely to be made by the end of the year by Suffolk Coastal District Council.

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