FEARS have been raised that proposals to expand a supermarket could affect town centre trade in Darlington at a time of economic downturn.

Sainsbury’s has submitted plans to expand its store in Victoria Road to include a single-storey decked car park with barrier system, a 12-bay petrol station, ground-floor expansion and mezzanine first floor.

The expansion would create an extra 4,665sq m of floor space, with sales space increasing by 1,700sq m, as well as 42 extra parking spaces.

The extent of the plans, which include new entrances and a petrol station, have alarmed people living in the vicinity. Coun Cyndi Hughes told The D&S Times that more than 25 residents had contacted her concerned about the proposals.

“It is absolutely massive,” she said.

“Residents are concerned about the size of the car park, particularly as the store is in a conservation area.

“I am also concerned that the petrol station is very close to the flats.

“Some of the things the store could be selling may be in direct competition with town centre businesses, which is concerning.”

Changes to access points on to Victoria Road are proposed, with a separate entrance and exit point on to the ring road.

The store would be extended to the north and west, with a new glass entrance on the west side and lifts and stairs to the first floor. Feature towers would be built.

A six-pump petrol station would be created at the northern end of the site, with a one-way traffic system and entrance at the present access point. The proposed exit point would be between the petrol station and the block of flats which occupies the store’s former petrol station.

Proposed hours for the petrol station would be half-an-hour before the store opens and closes – 6.30am to 11.30pm, Mondays to Fridays, 6.30am to 10.30pm on Saturdays, and 8am to 4pm on Sundays.

The decked car park would be to the west of the store, directly in front of the new entrance.

Sainsbury’s wants to expand in order to sell more clothing, books, CDs and DVDs, small electrical goods and home wares.

The plans can be viewed at the town hall and comments can be made to the borough council planning department.