AN application by Marks & Spencer in Kidderminster to expand by creating a mezzanine shopping area exceeding 200 square meters has been recommended for approval.

The current mezzanine area meets only office and storage needs but under the new plans it would be expanded to cover the whole store and adapted for retail purposes.

The retail giant's agent, Nathaniel Lichfield and Partners, said: "The store at Weavers Wharf currently trades very strongly.

"However, the store gets congested and this adversely affects the customer retail experience within the store.

"The limited space also restricts the numbers of product lines and the depth of stock that can be held at the store which also impacts negatively on customers."

The application will be decided at a Wyre Forest District Council planning development control committee meeting on Tuesday at 6pm in Duke House, Clensmore Street, Kidderminster.