PLANNERS have recommended refusing permission for a new superstore in Braintree.
District council officers say that a proposed 4,765sq m Sainsbury's supermarket on Broomhills Industrial Estate should be rejected because it would take shoppers away from the town centre.
Morrisons also objected on the grounds that the store would divert trade from their store in George Yard.
Julie Jesse, 65, of nearby Nayling Road, said: "We are obviously pleased with that outcome, although Sainsbury's are not going to let it lie.
"That's our worry really, that these huge companies go to appeal, and we have seen Tesco do the same. The council have to roll over because they can't be seen to be using taxpayers' money to fight in the courts.
"It leaves us in the position where we go through all this rigmarole and they just slide it through – but we are optimistic and hopeful."
Originally submitted in July 2011, Sainsbury's have faced a barrage of objections, but many others are in favour of the plans, which include space for more than 500 cars.
As well as creating a petition in support of the plans, dozens of other residents believe that the regeneration of the area would be a positive move for the town.
A decision will be made at a planning meeting at the Braintree District Council offices in Causeway House on April 19 at 7.15pm.
