IT'S official: everyone is unhappy with the new Marks & Spencer building in Truro - even M&S themselves.

A spokeswoman for the company admitted yesterday that they were unhappy with the appearance of the building, and wanted to discuss their concerns with the developer.

She said: "We aren't happy with the external appearance of the store in Truro. We are a tenant of the developer, JD Sainsbury, and we are seeking further discussion with them."

This will come as no surprise to local councillors, whose mailboxes have been deluged with complaints about the flagship store almost since the day it opened in March.

People who work and shop in the city centre are furious that the 70,000 sq ft structure has blocked out their view of the cathedral from Morlaix Avenue.

For a £10 million store that was hailed as the jewel in the crown of Lemon Quay, many people feel it has not lived up to expectations.

County councillor Bert Biscoe said: "Around 300,000 tourists come to Truro by coach each year and the object of their desire is the cathedral. But now, instead of the cathedral they see the back of M&S."

But now the store has suffered yet another aesthetic setback. Due to the changable Cornish weather, the finish on the "natural sand" render has unexpectedly hardened into unsightly random blotches, making the building look even worse.

Planning officer Roy Curnow admitted yesterday: "No one is very happy with the building."

Last week, Mr Curnow detailed his concerns about the building in a special report to Carrick district council's planning committee.

He suggested that the Morlaix Avenue and Fairmantle Street elevations should be repainted to improve their appearance, but this idea was rejected by councillors. Instead they have called for a meeting to be set up with JD Sainsbury, and managers at the store, to try and work out a solution.

A spokeswoman for JD Sainsbury said discussions between themselves and the district council were ongoing. Sainsbury's project manager David Fitzwater has met planning officers and is expected to attend the meeting with councillors, although the meeting has not yet been called.