TESCO has lodged new plans for supermarket on the Lawford/Manningtree border.

It says it has listened to residents’ complaints about the First plan.

An application for a 30,000 sq ft store in Station Road was unanimously rejected by Tendring Council last May.

The new proposal is for a 20 per cent smaller store.

Michael Coultharde-Steer, of the Stour Community First group, which has campaigned against the store, said: “We still think the traffic is going to be a major issue and the store will take traffic away from the High Street.”

Louise Gosling, regional corporate affairs manager at Tesco, said: “We have listened to the concerns.

“We believe this new store will encourage shoppers to stay local and support shops and services in Manningtree.

“It’s almost 20 per cent smaller than our original proposal, which means it will generate less traffic.

“It will still be big enough to allow people to do a full weekly shop, rather than having to go to Colchester, Clacton or further afield.

“We are committed to supporting Manningtree, and will be discussing with councils how we can help to support a vibrant local economy.”

Tendring Council is due to make a decision early next year.