The new proposals will see the store 25 per cent smaller than originally suggested last year, after planning bosses voiced concerns over the size and scale of the development.

Tesco will hold a public open day next Thursday for residents to see the blueprints for the former gas board site at New Park, which will create 360 new jobs, and Tesco chiefs expect to submit a planning application to Harrogate Council by the end of the year.

If the proposals get agreed, it will mean Harrogate will no longer be the only postcode region in England without a Tesco supermarket.

One of the biggest changes to the original application withdrawn last November will see a raft of improvements to the store's environmental credentials. These include low-energy lighting and new roof vents to reduce the reliance on air conditioning systems.

The access road to the proposed store would also be widened to ease congestion fears expressed by many objectors last year, and the retail floorspace would be reduced from 67,000sq ft to just over 45,000sq ft – slightly less than the Asda supermarket which has a 48,000sq ft footprint.

Tesco corporate affairs manager Michael Kissman said: "We've made some important changes to the proposals to provide a store more in keeping with the area, as well as incorporating a host of sustainability measures.

"The north side of Harrogate is not well served by supermarkets and many residents have to travel across the town to do their weekly shop. This creates cross-town traffic which we can reduce with a store in New Park.

"As well as providing supermarket shopping close to home, the store will create over 360 jobs for local people, with excellent training and career development opportunities. We're also clearing up an eyesore, rejuvenating the Oak Beck and bringing a public footpath back into use."

"Having listened to local people and altered the plans accordingly, we think people will agree that our revised proposals are ideal for this part of Harrogate."

The plans will be displayed at The Hydro in Jennyfield Drive between 1.30pm and 8.30pm on Thursday, September 11.

Members of the project team will be on hand to answer any queries and take feedback from the public.

ashley.marshall@ypn.co.uk