An East Sussex supermarket has been given the go-ahead for a major expansion which will create up to 75 new jobs.

Hastings Borough Council last night gave Safeway, in Queens Road, planning permission to increase the overall size of the store by 44 per cent.

Some residents had been against the expansion and the council received 13 objections and a petition during the public consultation period.

The store plans to extend two blocks on the south west side of the building, increasing its area from 4,270sqm to 6,820sqm.

There will also be additional landscaping features on the site, providing a zebra crossing, improving public transport with a bus lay-by and shelter and installing cycle racks.

The expansion is expected to provide between 50 and 75 full and part-time jobs in the new departments.

A spokesman for the council said: "The application did go through but with the stipulation that the roof on the right side of the building is lowered so it is not at such a sharp angle. It is quite near a residential area and it was felt it might be too steep."

Coun Pamela Brown, Liberal Democrat representing the ward where the store is situated, said: "The steps that have been taken to protect pedestrians are long overdue.

"We have long needed a lay-by for the bus stop and pedestrian crossing. One of the entrances to the store will be closed and the traffic will be concentrated in Waterworks Road. Some of us think there will be adverse consequences in Queen's Road and add to the congestion in Hastings.

"They have agreed to pitch the roof and make it less steep and they have agreed to talk about security matters.

"Those residents that did have concerns had the chance to have their say and considerations have been given to those worries. We will be closely monitoring progress."

A store spokesman said the extension was needed to fulfil the future vision of the store and will focus on health, beauty and personal care, mother and baby, home entertainment, toys, photo and paper shop and Safeway at home.