Despite criticism and complaints, planners have said that the proposed Tesco store at Carryduff on the outskirts of south Belfast should be given the go-ahead.

The Northern Ireland Independent Retail Trade Association (NIIRTA) has said that the store could "limit retail regeneration" but Castlereagh Borough Council has already said it is in favour of the development.

It is understood that the 15,000sq ft supermarket, designed by Ostick and Williams Ltd, will be built on land at Edgar Avenue, just off the Saintfield Road. The planners' recommendation is due to be discussed next week.

Glyn Roberts, NIRTA Chief Executive, said: "There is a great deal of concern" from its members in Carryduff about the new supermarket.

"Carryduff certainly needs new retailers, but Tesco will just limit retail regeneration in the area," he said.

"You have to put this in context; Tesco already has a huge store at Newtownbreda, and there are also shops at nearby Forestside, such as M&S and Sainsburys, so there are a lot of major stores in the area already. We are concerned about the impact this will have."

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However, if the current 'nod' from planners is carried through and the application is officially granted, Tesco aims to provide around 110 permanent jobs, as well as up to 200 construction positions during the building of the new store.

Colin Hampsey, Corporate Affairs Manager for Tesco in Northern Ireland, said in July: "Our proposed new store would see a multi-million pound investment in the area, which could provide a much-needed amenity for the community."

Mr Hampsey also said the 15,000 sq foot store is "a smaller environmental store" with "environmental features incorporated into the build".

Ostick and Williams have already designed several Tesco stores across the country. These include stores in Belfast, Antrim, Lisburn, Sligo, Ballymena and Cookstown.

Other work in their portfolio includes the design of Forestside Shopping Centre and Fairhill Shopping Centre.

Elsewhere, a new Tesco supermarket is within weeks of completion just north of Belfast, with the replacement of Northcott - renamed the Sandyknowles Centre - ready for fit-out next month to be ready for a pre-Christmas opening.

It was also opposed - by local petrol retailers - worried about the impact of the associated filling station on their ability to compete.

See: Northcott Demolition Begins At Weekend

See: Planners Provoke Forecourt War

(LB/BMcC)