THE Mayor of Manningtree has told a supermarket giant to “stand up and be counted” after plans were submitted for a major upgrade in the town.

East of England Co-op has resubmitted plans for a towering extension, which would see the store, in Riverside Avenue East, increase in size by more than a quarter.

The chain has sought permission for the expansion twice, in 2007 and 2012, and was given the go-ahead on both occasions.

Mayor Mark Morsley has called on the company to take action should planning permission be granted once again.

He said: “At the end of the day, Summers Park is being built and well on its way.

“We will likely be looking at hundreds of new homes confirmed next week in the area.

If the Co-op are going to apply for this expansion, then stand up and be counted.

“The market is there and they want to make extra money surely.

"My message would be to get a move on – get engaged, get more growth in the town, which will be of benefit to everyone.

"Exponentially, if you bring more visitors and shoppers to the town, it’s got to be a positive thing.”

Though no timeframe is given for construction, Co-op has requested Tendring Council approve the extension “without delay”, adding the project is “sustainable” and meets Government planning policies .

The expansion would see the front of the store extended, with one-storey and two-storey extensions across the entire width of the building.

Two corner towers make up the main features of the plans, with the largest facing the river and incorporating a first-floor cafe seating area and small terrace.

The second tower will contain a plant room and services .

A spokesman for East of England Co-op said: “We were granted permission to extend our store around three years ago.

“This recently came up for renewal, so to ensure we continued to have the option to extend in the future, we’ve resubmitted the plans."