There is expected to be a strong public response tomorrow at a meeting to discuss proposals to replace the Tesco store at Helston with one almost twice the size.

Supermarket giant Tesco has resubmitted plans to develop its Clodgey Way store by almost doubling the main shopping area from 2,368 square metres to 4,639 square metres.

It also plans to introduce a raised mezzanine level area which would include a cafe for customers and staff room facilities.

Outside, an additional 109 parking spaces are planned, bringing the total to 438, to include 24 spaces for disabled drivers and 20 parent and toddler spaces.

The application estimates that the development would result in 120 additional jobs being created.

This will be the second attempt Tesco has made to enlarge the Helston store.

Last year plans were submitted to replace the store with a Tesco Extra but these were withdrawn after opposition from hundreds of residents, although 2,000 people signed a petition backing the expansion.

While Tesco spokesman Felix Gummer has denied that this application is for a Tesco Extra store - merely a larger store to fit more products and cope with demand - the proposals have already sparked debate, with members of the Lizard Peninsula Friends of the Earth submitting a two-page document to Kerrier district council outlining their objections. These included the effect such a large store would have on a "barely surviving" Helston town centre, as the well as the increase in packaging waste and the fact the store would be "highly visible".

Members of the public will have the chance to express their views on the application when Helston town council's planning committee meets at the Guildhall tomorrow at 6.15pm.