Tesco has denied its Purley store will be the largest in the country after beginning discussions with a local group.

A spokesman for the supermarket giant said: "A lot has been said that it is going to be the biggest store in the country but that is not the plan."

The present shop covers 82,000 sq ft, but is set to be replaced by a new, bigger building. The company recently began talking to residents about the plans.

The spokesman added: "This was just the first meeting and we are still at an extremely early stage. There are no concrete plans but we are hoping to move the store closer to the town centre by having the entrance face Purley High Street.

"We would also like to put housing on top of the store with car parking underground but the intention is to ask the people what they want."

Ken Trench, chairman of Purley Business Association, said: "The road changes involved in this development are crucial.

"We were told the gyratory system would solve all our problems but it didn't. For everyone's sake we need to get it right this time."