New Tesco could be open by the autumn
5:00pm Saturday 31st December 2011 in North Essex
A TESCO Express store finally looks set to be built four years after it applied for permission.
The mini-supermarket and 13 homes at the former Cherry Tree Garage, in Mersea Road, Colchester, was given the green light in July 2009, after a public inquiry into the plans.
Tesco says it expects work to start in the spring and the store, which will create 80 jobs, will open at the end of summer or early autumn.
Naina Patel, who runs Premier Kishor, in Wethersfield Road, said: “We don’t like the fact they are opening, but we will just have to wait and see.
“It is obviously going to affect us, but there is nothing we can do. I am really, really worried.”
The application was fiercely opposed by residents amid concerns about the impact on surrounding businesses and an increase of traffic on the busy road.
Dave Harris, borough councillor for the Berechurch ward, who led a 700-signature petition against the plans, said he is keen for the building work to start.
He said: “They have cleared the site as its looks a bit of an eyesore.
“I will be looking forward to a proper street scene instead of the hoardings and building site that is there.
“The sooner we get the street area looking good and proper, the better for everyone concerned.”
Mr Harris vowed to keep tabs on the store’s impact on traders.
He said: “I will be monitoring the impact on traffic and other stores in the area.
“It could destroy the whole balance of the area here.”
The Tesco Express store will be the supermarket giant’s sixth store in the town.
It also wants to build a seventh shop as part of the Garrison redevelopment in Butt Road.
Tesco applied for planning permission for the store in early 2008.
Colchester Council turned down the bid in October 2008.
But a Government planning inspector overturned the decision in July 2009 following an inquiry.
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