A PLANNING application to almost double the size of the Tesco store in Stalham has finally been lodged.The long-expected application was registered by North Norfolk District Council on Monday.

A PLANNING application to almost double the size of the Tesco store in Stalham has finally been lodged.

The long-expected application was registered by North Norfolk District Council on Monday.

Tesco's corporate affairs manager Nick Gellatly said: “The input that the public has had into the proposals has been very helpful. They now include a roundabout junction with the A149 and improvements to create a more attractive pedestrian link to the High Street.”

The council will undertake its own consultation exercise before making a decision on the proposals next year.

Mr Gellatly said Tesco wanted to improve its customers' shopping experience, add ranges of goods and encourage more local people to shop in Stalham and use the shops and facilities in the High Street rather than driving to other towns.

The expansion would generate about 90 new local jobs, he added.