Retrospective plans by supermarket giant Tesco to increase the amount of space it uses for non-grocery goods at its Shrewsbury Extra store look set to be approved – despite the company flouting planning rules.

Tesco submitted fresh plans for the space used in its store in Battlefield after admitting it had “inadvertently” breached its planning consent at the site since it was built in 2007.

But despite figures collated by campaigners who say there has been a loss of 46 non-grocery stores in Shrewsbury town centre in just over two years – Shropshire Council officers are recommending Tesco’s retrospective plans for approval.

Councillors are due to discuss the matter at a meeting next Thursday.

A report to the meeting says: “It is considered that the proposal does not conflict with national and local retail planning policies and that the proposed variation of condition is acceptable.

“The store has been trading in breach of the condition with the additional floorspace since 2007 and, although this cannot be condoned, it is considered that there is no evidence of significant adverse impact on the town centre or other centres as a result.”

The new application by Tesco is to vary a condition of consent imposed by the Secretary of State.