SUPERMARKET architects are to look again at the design of a store earmarked for Congleton after facing a storm of protests.

Tesco wants to build a £5 million supermarket on land off the Clayton Bypass, a store which would create 200 jobs for local people.

The supermarket giant has also offered to pump hundreds of thousands of pounds into helping to reduce congestion at the Waggon and Horses junction.

The store would be one of the first of Tesco's new ultra modern supermarkets, which feature glass fronts and flat roofs.

There are only a handful of such stores in the country, although the design has angered local councillors, who are calling on Tesco to have a rethink.

An artist's impression of the new Congleton store was greeted with 'shock horror' by town councillors, who claimed it was not in keeping with the town.

One councillor said the store looked like a 'glass-fronted warehouse', while another branded it a 'monstrosity.'

The new-look store was unveiled at a private meeting between councillors and senior Tesco officers, including corporate affairs head Richard Anderson.

"There was shock horror from councillors when they saw the design, and the reaction to it was anatagonistic," said town clerk John Herod.

"The opposition was strong, and no-one spoke in favour of it.

"The new store would be on one of the main roads through Congleton, and councillors are looking for a design more in keeping with the town.

"They strongly support the application for retail development on that site, but want a design which says Congleton is a town of quality."

Councillors are keen on a brick-built store, similar to the Tesco superstore on the edge of Macclesfield.

Richard Anderson admitted councillors were not 'keen' on the proposed design of the Congleton store, and were surprised at how modern it was.

"Our new look stores are very modern, clean-looking, light and airy, with a glass frontage," he said.

"The councillors wanted us to have a rethink, and we will see if there is any room for flexibility.

"However this is the accepted new design for our stores, and there is only so much room for manoeuvre.

"We have looked long and hard at the new design, which feature in only about half a dozens of our stores, and which is economic and cost effective to run."

The Tesco scheme is due to come before the borough council's regulatory committee next month.

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