Hednesford Tesco on stilts set to go ahead

Plans for a giant new Tesco store - to be built on stilts - in Hednesford are set to get the go-ahead next week.

The proposed superstore, which will create up to 600 jobs, is part of a £50 million project by regeneration specialist St Modwen.

The scheme, dubbed the Chase Gateway, is being built on the site of the town's bus station and the former ATP Industries plant in Victoria Street. The 85,000 sq ft store would be built on stilts, with car parking spaces provided below, similar to the Tesco Extra store in Lichfield.

In total, 637 car parking spaces will be provided, including 512 for the store, 24 of which would be disabled spaces, with 20 for parents with children. A roundabout would be built in Victoria Street to allow access.

The plans are set to go before Cannock Chase District Council's planning committee on Wednesday. They are recommended for approval, subject to being "called in" by Communities Secretary Eric Pickles.