TESCO is facing a furious backlash over plans to extend its Stalybridge store and build a two-storey car park.

A campaign group — SayNO2Tesco — has been set up to fight the proposals and the public has been urged to attend a meeting in the town on Monday night.

The supermarket giant wants to build a mezzanine level inside, but the move that has prompted most anger is the new car park.

Overshadowing Armentieres Square, it has been branded "a monstrosity" which will obliterate the "stunning views" of the surrounding moors. Stung by the criticism, Tesco has pleaded with people to remember the proposals are currently at the consultation stage and that nothing is "set in stone".

But Dave Ormsby, chairman of SayNo2Tesco, said: "The sheer audacity of it is a measure of the contempt in which Tesco holds the people of Stalybridge and the vision that has inspired recent town centre developments."

The Astley Street resident added: "By raising the height of the store and erecting a monolithic two-storey car park, it will completely destroy the open aspect of Armentieres Square."

Local politicians have also joined forces to criticise the plans.

Recently elected Conservative councillor, Clive Patrick, said: "Tesco chose to hold a public consultation lasting only three days. How can this represent a fair and full consultation of shoppers?"

Fellow Tory councillor Dorothy Cartwright added: "The current Tesco building is not offensive, but the new plans are an absolute monstrosity. It will make the place look like a prison."

A spokesman for Tesco said: "It seems people are under the impression that is the definitive design when it most certainly isn’t.  No plans have been submitted. Nothing is set in stone. The information gleaned at consultation will be fed back and we can make changes as and where relevant."

The public meeting will take place in Stalybridge civic hall on Monday from 7pm.