AMBITIOUS plans to extend Sainsbury's supermarket in Redditch by almost a quarter were set to get the go-ahead last night.

Planning officers recommended councillors agree to proposals to expand the Abbey Retail Park store despite 11 letters of objections from residents.

The plans are to build an extension to the supermarket which will be used to expand its range of non-food items such as homeware and health and beauty products.

They also include creating a three-storey customer car park.

Concerned residents stated a wide number of objections to the plans, including increased congestion around the retail park, overdevelopment of out-of-town sites and increased noise pollution.

They were also anxious the new car park would cause disruption during construction and would eventually have a detrimental effect on the appearance of the location, as well as encouraging ''boy racers''.

However, planning officers suggested members approve to the proposals subject to Sainsbury's agreeing to a range of terms, including improving transport links to the site.

The report said: "Consequently, it is considered that on balance, although there must remain reservations concerning the proposal, the application can be recommended for approval subject to conditions, and to undertake the identified improvements to linkages."