The Tesco store in Watton will almost double in size if plans by the company are approved by Breckland councillors.The retail giant wants to increase its sales area at the Thetford Road shop by 909 sq metres to 2021 sq metre and there would be more food ranges sold as well as non food items.

The Tesco store in Watton will almost double in size if plans by the company are approved by Breckland councillors.

The retail giant wants to increase its sales area at the Thetford Road shop by 909 sq metres to 2021 sq metre and there would be more food ranges sold as well as non food items.

The site will be extended on to neighbouring land and the number of parking spaces will increase from 152 to 171.

A draft agreement has been drawn up as part of the planning discussions which would involve Tesco giving £140,000 towards transport improvements in the town.

The scheme - being recommended for approval by Breckland development control committee members when they meet on Monday, November 3 - would also involve improve access for vehicles and pedestrians, a barrier to stop the car park being used when the store is shut and CCTV.

A number of local residents have raised concerns about noise and disturbance, opening hours, lighting, landscaping, security and pedestrian access.

Watton Town Council did not object but made comments about the construction work.

A report by planning officers said: “Whilst the proposals would result almost in a doubling in the size of retail floorspace, it is considered that the development is of an appropriate scale, bearing in mind the role and function of Watton town centre.”

Planners argue that the Tesco store - which has been in Watton since 1997 - is “relatively small” and only offers “top-up shopping” and the extended unit would keep people in Watton for their weekly shopping rather than going to towns such as Dereham and Thetford.

Earlier this year a public exhibition was held on the plans and 60 of 67 people responded to the proposed scheme positively.