13820/4GAZETTE & HERALD: Superstore Morrisons in Chippenham could grow half as big again if a major planning application gets the go-ahead.

The huge 2,498 square metre extension, which would be mostly at the front of the current building off West Cepen Way, would give a big boost to the sales area of the former Safeway store, which currently covers 5,000 square metres.

Chippenham Town Council has objected to the plans, fearing the store's growth could damage the viability and vitality of the town centre and Langley Burrell Parish Council has raised concerns that the recycling area is inadequate.

Two residents have also objected to the plans, because of the noise caused by construction work and the possible increase in traffic a larger store would generate.

But North Wiltshire District Council's planning officers believe the extension would not damage the town's retail economy, though suggested making it a condition that non-food goods, such as electrical and clothing, should not make up more than 11 per cent of the floor area.

They also considered the road network was adequate for the development and new designs for the front of the building were satisfactory.

However the application seems to be a mystery to the Morrisons' estates management, who were unaware of the planning application and therefore unable to make any comment about it at this stage.

The former Safeway store began its new life as Morrisons on August 12, after a five-day re-fit.

Along with the new store features, branding and aisle changes, customers also had to get used to being charged a £1 deposit to use their trolleys.

The store also ran into problems when a parent with a disabled child discovered they had thrown out her special trolley.

However, hundreds of shoppers flocked to the opening to see the new-look store, which was opened by cashier Margaret Diment, who has worked at the store since it opened in 1985.

The former Safeway outlet was transformed as part of a rolling, three-year conversion programme that will see three Safeway stores each week changing to Morrisons.

If the giant expansion does go ahead, Morrisons will be following in the footsteps of the town's Sainsbury's store, on the Bath Road, which completed a £9 million extension and revamp last year.

The store closed for eight days from March 19 while fitters ripped out shelves and counters to carry out a complete re-fit.

The expansion increased the floor space from 32,000 ft to 52,000 ft and Sainsbury's expanded its range to include clothes and household goods.

The new-look Sainsbury's has a range of food counters, including a hot food and salad bar.