An artist's impression of how the store would look

Multi-million pound plans to build a giant new Asda superstore on the outskirts of Telford town centre look set to finally get approval tomorrow.

The supermarket giant wants to build a 44,000 sq ft superstore, a petrol station and a 500-space car park on the site of Telford & Wrekin Council’s civic offices.

More than 350 people currently employed at the current Asda store near to Central Square would transfer to work at the new store.

That application – and another from Asda for outline planning permission to build 79 homes next to the development – was deferred by the council’s plans board last month after 11th-hour objections from town centre owners, Hark Apollo.

Hark wants Asda to stay in the town centre and bosses have submitted plans of their own to build a £30 million “iconic” timber-clad building on the Red Oak car park to house a supermarket and other retail units.

But after considering the objections, which included claims from Hark that the civic offices development would harm the town centre and cost jobs, council planning officers have still recommended approval.

A final decision will now be made by members of the authority’s plans board at a meeting tomorrow night.

Asda property communications manager Chris Marlow said: “We are very pleased that our application has again been recommended for approval.

“This recommendation confirms our proposals’ compliance with planning policy and reflects the vast majority of local opinion that has supported our plans throughout.”

Mr Marlow said the development would bring “many long-term positive benefits” to the town.

The council’s multi-million pound sale of the civic offices to Asda is dependent on planning permission being granted.