SUPERMARKET giant Tesco has submitted new designs for a store in a Suffolk market town.

SUPERMARKET giant Tesco has submitted new designs for a store in a Suffolk market town.

Bosses claim the revised plans for a store at the Brett Works site in Hadleigh will further compliment the surrounding area and reduce the building's size by one sixth.

Nick Gellatly, from Tesco, said: “Over the past few years we've seen so much support for a store in Hadleigh because people have told us they want the prices and choice of everyday food shopping we can offer.

“Our plans still include the unique store design that was welcomed by CABE, the Government's architecture advisers, but we have done our homework to reduce the size by a sixth.

“This means whilst there will be the same shopping space for customers, our plans now fit even better with the area and blueprint the Council bases its decisions on.

“We think opening a store right next to the High Street will attract new shoppers to Hadleigh who will spend money across the whole town. There will also be 200 jobs.”

Changes to the plans include a reduction in the building size by one sixth so it fits with Babergh District Council's policy for the land.

There will also be more planting across the car park, including approximately 30 new trees to further improve the appearance of the derelict site.

The car park entrance remains off Bridge Street, but now includes a small building designed in a traditional style that will be used as a training and meeting room.

Roy Smith, chair of Tesco Supporters Group in Hadleigh, said, “We have been campaigning for a Tesco for over a decade. The debate has gone on far too long, especially as the council's own policy says there should be a store near the High Street.

“During all these years, we have met so many people that are in favour - that support is still keen today. I hope this means at long last, we will get the store and the choice of products we need at reasonable prices, bringing new shoppers into our town.”

It is hoped that Babergh District Council will make a final decision in the next few months.

A spokesman said: ““In the last few days Babergh has received a number of amendments to the original planning application for a supermarket on the Brett Works site in Hadleigh.

“Having been documented and checked by planning staff, Babergh has requested additional information from the applicant and once this has been received, the information will be available for viewing and consultation by the public. The revised application is likely to be considered by Babergh's Development committee in the spring.”