A CONTROVERSIAL superstore planned for Manningtree has been turned down.

Members of Tendring Council’s planning committee refused the plans for a Tesco Station Road after more than two hours of talks.

The meeting heard views from Mayor of Manningtree, Lee Lay Flurrie, chairman of Lawford Parish Council, Brian Rolfe, ward councillors and campaigners for and against the supermarket.

But councillors decided to refuse the application as they said the design was not good enough for the area, the store would have a negative impact on the nearby high street, and the traffic it would bring to the area would cause congestion.

The vote saw 11 councillors against the store, and six abstain.

For more read Friday’s Manningtree Standard.