The councillors heard that the store would create up to 250 new local jobs which in turn would generate more than £1 million in disposable income, provide free parking for up to 300 cars, offer a wider choice of products, extend and anchor the town centre and help attract further investment to the town.

Speaking at the presentation, Colin Hampsey, Corporate Affairs Manager said, “As part of our commitment to the local community we will recruit as many people as possible from the area. This will boost local employment, generate wages and create long-term career opportunities for people of all ages. In addition to one of the best rates of pay in the retail industry, staff receive 10% discount card and after six months, can share in the company profits scheme.

“Our proposed store on the former cattle market site is right in the town centre and has a sales floor of 30,000 square feet which is considerably smaller than the nearby stores in Lisburn or Antrim but will still provide a wide range of goods.

“We believe that by providing more than 300 free car parking spaces, customers will be able to leave their car at Tesco while they carry on shopping with other retailers further up the street. There will also be dedicated spaces for those with disabilities and parents with children.

“From our Clubcard data we know that almost 50% of householders in the Glenany and Crumlin postcode areas shop in our existing stores in Antrim, Lisburn, Newtownabbey and more recently at Ballygomartin.

“A store in Crumlin would help keep these customers in the area and help revitialise the town and we believe this would have a knock on effect for local traders who could benefit from increased footfall. We are always happy to work with the local traders and community to develop appropriate initiatives to encourage customers to visit other shops in the area. In addition it would cut down on customer’s drive time to other supermarkets for their weekly shop which will also have positive environmental benefits.

“We have worked very closely with the local community regarding our plans and have consulted with neighbours, local residents, the general public and elected representatives.

“Following these consultations which included two public exhibitions in the Community Centre, we amended our plans to provide increased landscaping, better pedestrian access, improved road layout and have located the store and service yard as far from homes as possible.

“Reaction at the public exhibitions was very positive with around 75% fully supporting the proposals as a welcome addition to Curmlin, particularly the wider choice of goods at competitive prices and the opportunity for job creation.”

He added: “Our local sourcing policy is very strong and Tesco currently spends more than £440 million per year with local food and drink suppliers.