A SUPERMARKET chain is facing calls to rethink plans to develop a former brewery.

Tesco wants to build a sup- erstore on the former Vaux site in Sunderland, part of which would be given over to housing, leisure and offices.

But Sunderland City Council will urge the company to look at other sites in the city instead.

The council leader, Councillor Bob Symonds, said that the plans would not be an asset to the city.

He said: "We feel that site has more to offer than just a supermarket, and we'd be loathe to miss this opportunity as we need a mixed development there.

"I'm a little bit disappointed at the way Tesco has gone about this, as they've gone out to public consultation before speaking to us.''

He said there was other land in the city where a supermarket would be just as successful.

Tesco spokesman Shaun Edgeley said there was "no site better suited'' to a store than the Vaux land and that the company had looked at other locations.

The company, which may lodge a planning application by the end of the year, said 61 per cent of people whom it surveyed had supported its proposals.

Mr Edgeley said: "People have been impressed that we have brought forward a comprehensive mixed use scheme, and the fact that it can be achieved quickly and without resort to public money.

"They recognise the fact that by Tesco funding this development, public money can be used in other areas of the city, including council land adjoining the Vaux site.''

Mr Edgeley added: "We are delighted that the majority of people who responded to our questionnaire are in favour of our plans. We believe this reflects the view of the vast majority of Sunderland's residents.''

When the site became redundant, the council mapped out a vision for a wide variety of uses.