A MASSIVE new store being planned for Cheshire Oaks will be carbon neutral according to those behind the development.

Details of the new store by Simons Developments, on behalf of Marks & Spencer, will be unveiled at public exhibitions in Ellesmere Port and Chesh-ire Oaks later this week.

The plans include an environmentally sustain-able, 195,000 sq ft M&S store off Longlooms Road, in landscaped surround-ings, with 950 car spaces.

In keeping with Plan A – M&S’ five year, 100 point eco-plan – Simons Develop-ments and M&S say they want to create a carbon neutral development, and to reduce the amount of energy used by at least 50%, compared to a similar sized M&S store.

The design team say the store will feature a num-ber of environmental innovations to help to achieve this goal.

Dominic Hayes, manag-ing director of Simons Developments said: “This development will provide a significant boost to Elles-mere Port. It will enhance and strengthenthe retail offer at Cheshire Oaks and create many jobs for the area.

“Before making a plan-ning application Simons would like to consult local people on the proposals. The public exhibitions on Friday and Saturday are an important part of the process, and once we have analysed the public feed-back we will make changes, where we can.”

The development will create upwards of 500 retail jobs, and new con-struction jobs for the area.

Clem Constantine, property development director, Marks & Spencer, said: “With a growing customer base, the Wirral continues to be an impor-tant area for M&S. This would be the largest in-vestment M&S has made in a UK store in 15 years and we are looking forward to hearing customers’ views on our sustainable store for Cheshire Oaks.”

The new M&S will sell womenswear, menswear and childrenswear, as well as home furnishings and technology products and include a food hall alongside an M&S café, restaurant and deli.

As part of the public consultation on the proposals, exhibitions will be held on Friday, April 11 at Ellesmere Port Civic Hall (9am-7pm), and Saturday, April 12 in-store at M&S Simply Food at the Coliseum, Cheshire Oaks (9.30am-6pm).