AN agreement which could secure 200 new jobs is being thrashed out.

Multi-million-pound plans to build a huge garden centre in Sandbach have raised hopes of a big influx of jobs and business for the town.

But the proposed location for Sand-bach Garden Park, on land between Congleton Road and the M6 Motorway, looks to be a stumbling point.

Many people think the area is already too congested and, combined with the future development of a business park nearby, highways officials could block the plans.

Cllr Jack Iddon, Congleton Borough Council's executive portfolio holder for economic development, said he is keen to resolve the matter for the good of the town.

He said: 'I would definitely like to see the garden centre here and see it bring new jobs and prosperity along with it.

'The concern at the moment is the proposed location of it, especially bearing in mind the immense difficulty we faced in getting plans for the business park passed.

'I don't want to prejudice anything, but I seriously doubt whether highways officials would allow it to be placed on the land off Congleton Road anyway.

'But I am very keen to work hard with the people behind the plans for the centre to make sure we can come to some agreement.

'I will be at a meeting about the plans on Tuesday and we will do everything we can to secure the centre for the town.'

The ambitious scheme has been put forward by London developer Garden Park Investments Ltd.

Its plans include provision for a futuristic glass building with a children's play area, a maze, central courtyard and sculpture garden.

The venture has received initial backing from the Sandbach Chamber of Trade and Commerce, and the 9,372sq m centre aims to prove a rival to Bridgemere Garden World and Stapeley Water Gardens.

An outline planning application submitted to Congleton Borough Council shows landscaped gardens surrounding the building and parking for 350 cars.

Gordon Edington, chairman of Garden Park Investments Ltd, said the aim was to create an 'interesting and relaxing' shopping experience and introduce a programme of displays and activities for families.

He added: 'The centre will be unique in its design and the experience it will give to visitors.

'It will be rural in style using predominantly timber and glass, with significant display gardens and walkways, and substantial landscaping in the areas surrounding it.'

Subject to planning permission, Sand-bach Garden Park will take 10 months to build and open by February 2005.

People still have about two weeks to register their opinions on the scheme with Congleton Borough Council.