A MASSIVE multi-million-pound Marks & Spencer store seven years in the making is nearing completion.

Back in 2005 the first mention was made of the potential for a giant M&S store in Ellesmere Port.

After successful discussions with the church commissioners who own the land, the first planning application was lodged in June 2008 and 16 months later, on October 5, 2009, consent was granted.

Contractors, including Morgans of Ellesmere Port, moved on to the site on October 4, 2010, to begin work on what will be the UK’s second largest M&S when it opens in late summer on Longlooms Road.

The store is part of M&S’s plan to become the world’s most sustainable major retailer.

Waste will be burned to fuel the shop’s biomass boiler and toilets will be flushed using rainwater collected in an 80,000 litre underground tank – there will even be waterless urinals.

Soil is stacked around much of the building to provide natural insulation and hemp clad walls will trap carbon.

There will be charging points in the 958-bay car park for electric cars to recharge, as well as covered space for 100 bicycles.

Windows have been carefully placed to maximise the use of natural light, and minimise the need for electric lights while underground pipes, 6ft in diameter, will provide natural air conditioning.

While two old trees had to be chopped down during building, M&S has vowed to plant 228 more.

The wave-like roof structure visible outside does not prepare you for the flowing arches of the timber and recycled aluminium ceiling inside.

The stunning ceiling is matched by the views from the first floor, across the Coliseum and Cheshire Oaks over to Stanlow.

Ed Dixon, environmental champion for property solutions firm Simons, said all involved were committed to listening to people who live around the site.

He said: “The area around the store is densely populated. A lot of people have a lot of interest in this project.

“It will affect their lives in some way.”

Stanney Oaks Community Action Group, which originally included people totally against the store, enabled the community to play a role in the progress of designs.

Mr Dixon added: “A lot of businesses are going to be affected by this build. We’ve liaised with them every step to improve the way we’re delivering this project.”

Simons planted 105 trees at Christ Church CE Primary School in November and BTEC students at West Cheshire College have redesigned the building as part of their course.

M&S did not want any waste to go to landfill so used and excess materials have been donated to projects such as nearby BASE motocross park, where soil was used to make the ramps.

Clem Constantine, M&S director of UK and International property and store development, said: “We’re very please with how the store is progressing. It not only puts the area on the map for having the most carbon and energy efficient, full-line M&S store but it will also be a great boost to the local economy too and deliver the very best of M&S for our customers in Cheshire.”