Supermarket giant Tesco has launched an appeal against the rejection of a new store in Maldon.

Maldon District Council refused planning permission to convert The Cups pub in Wantz Road into a Tesco Express store with an extension and nine car park spaces in March.

Councillors said the development would have detrimental effect on traffic congestion, highway safety and on-street parking, despite planning officers recommending they approve the plans.

At the appeal with Planning Inspectorate on Wednesday, Steven Williamson, speaking on behalf of Maldon District Council, said: “It is clear to us there is a demand in excess of nine spaces, which will mean that people will park on the adjacent highway network.

“Although there appears to be adequate parking within the locality, there is a very large likelihood that parking will occur around double yellow lines particularly at weekends and so the existing nuisance that residents of Cross Road have reported, such as parking across drop kerbs, is likely to be exacerbated.”

Tesco spokesmen said that the proposed development would not lead to an increase in traffic congestion, accidents or pressure on existing on-street parking.

See this week's MBS (now out tomorrow) for the full story.