UP TO 80 full and part-time jobs could be created as part of plans to expand Telford’s Sainsbury’s supermarket.

The supermarket giant wants to increase the size of its retail floor space at its Forge Retail Park store by almost 30 per cent – an increase of 73,000 sq ft. But planning chiefs have recommended the application be refused by Telford & Wrekin Council.

There are fears that the proposal could damage trade in Telford Town Centre.

As part of the plans supermarket bosses want to extend the store on two sides, build a mezzanine level, move the existing cafe, re-model the car park and launch an online shopping service.

The application would see the supermarket start to expand the sale of various non-food products, such as clothing and electrical goods.

Jane Piper, spokeswoman for Sainsbury’s, said: “The extension would also allow us to develop our home delivery service, which would be a great development for everyone, both in and out of the supermarket.

“The staff would love to be able to get their hands on new products and make them available to the consumer.

“If granted, the store would be able to provide employment opportunities for dozens of people.”

She added: “Most importantly of all, however, the extension would create a better facility in which customers can enjoy their weekly shop and provide them with a better experience when they visit us in store.”

However, in a report to go before the council’s plans board on Wednesday, planning officers warn the development could take trade away from surrounding shops and put off traders interested in moving to the town.

The report says: “The planning authority considers there are more preferable locations in or around the town centre for such a development.

“We believe the proposed development will also have a detrimental impact on the vitality, attractiveness and viability of Telford Town Centre and would be likely to establish an undesirable precedent for further retail developments which would undermine potential investor confidence in the town centre.”

By Peter Finch