A SUPERMARKET chain claims there has been an "overwhelmingly positive" reaction to its plans to open a new 80,000 sq ft store.

Tesco held a three-day public exhibition about its plans to open a Tesco Extra store in Peterlee which could create up to 400 jobs.

More than 200 people attended the exhibition and, Tesco says, 99 per cent of those who completed a questionnaire were in favour of the development on the site of the former East Durham and Houghall College in Burnhope Way.

The proposed new development would incorporate a brand new state-of-the-art library for the town.

Tesco’s corporate affairs manager, Doug Wilson, said: "We have been extremely encouraged by the very positive response to our proposal.

"The overwhelming majority want more choice of supermarkets in Peterlee. They thought the choice of site was right and due to the existing links with the town centre."

The proposal is for a two-storey development, with 500 car parking spaces on the ground floor, lined to the first floor shopping area by travelators.

The Peterlee store would be one of a new generation of eco-stores, designed to reduce the chain’s carbon footprint, using larch cladding, glazing to maximise the use of natural lighting and their own heat and power unit to generate energy.

Mr Wilson said: "Peterlee, like many towns in the country, has been badly affected by the recession so we are confident this news will be warmly welcomed.

"Despite the difficult economic climate Tesco continues to invest and create jobs."