Cash and carry retail giant Costco’s application to build a 14,030-metre megastore on the John Lewis site on Stevenage’s Cavendish Road will be discussed at a council meeting tomorrow night – and officers have recommended a grant of planning permission.

The Costco application forms part of the agenda for the meeting of Stevenage Borough Council’s planning and development committee.

The majority of public representations have been against the plans, and a 49-signature petition has also also submitted, mostly from people living on the housing estate directly opposite the site.

Objections centred around the traffic Costco’s arrival might cause on Gunnels Wood Road, and fears that it might have a detrimental impact on the amenity of the area.

Letters in support suggested that the new store might bring jobs and trade into the town and promote investment into the local community.