A NEW battle is set to ensue over controversial plans for a Tesco Express store in Colchester.

Colchester Council threw out plans for a store on the site of Cherry Tree Garage, in Mersea Road, earlier this year.

Residents had complained the store could lead to extra traffic on to an already busy road, and said the store would trigger the death knell of the shops which had served the community.

Colchester Council rejected the plans and, at the time, delighted residents claimed victory. But now there is to be another round of battle as Tesco has appealed against the decision.

The merits of the scheme, which includes 13 residential units, will now be considered by a Government inspector.

Campaigning councillor Dave Harris urged residents who fought the plans the first time to stand up and fight again.

Colchester Council’s planning officers had rejected Tesco’s application because it went against council policy.

The decision notice said the site was outside a designated retail centre in an unsustainable out-of-centre location and that a Tesco Express would have “a negative effect on the viability and vitality” of nearby shops.

The design was described as “an unsatisfactory appearance detrimental to the surrounding area”.

No-one from Tesco was available to comment.