Tesco wants to expand its largest supermarket in Medway to make it even bigger.

The retailer has applied to the council to extend the ground floor of its branch in Courteney Road, Gillingham.

The additional floorspace, located at the side of the building where the loading bays are, will be used to make the store’s F&F clothing and footwear section bigger.

The planning application to Medway Council states: “The existing store currently has an area of 8,470sq m.

“The proposal relates to an extension of 640sq m which will be used for the sale of comparison goods (primarily clothing and footwear and associated storage) and aimed at enhancing the current offer for existing customers.

Once extended the store will have an overall area of 9,110sq m (gross) which is 7.5% bigger than the existing store.”

Tesco held a one-day public exhibition on the plans, at the entrance to the shop, to ask shoppers their views. The idea was met with positive comments from customers.

One said: “Fantastic news. Excellent to upgrade store. I shop in F&F, really good value for money, so great to have a wider range.”

Another customer said: “Very pleased with the new layout. Look forward to the new F&F.”

The 24-hour store last expanded in 2011, when it became a Tesco Extra and the size increased by 50%.

The refurbishment then included a new cafe, pharmacy, opticians, Tesco Direct desk and petrol station, as well as extra parking.

Plans are also moving forward for the new McDonald’s takeaway and drive-through on the land between Tesco and Dobbies Garden World.

The new branch will be Medway’s largest McDonald’s and it will be open 24 hours a day. It will create 65 full and part-time jobs.

The plans were approved in June and applications have now been submitted for the illuminated signs outside.