PLANS for a new discount supermarket have been recommended for refusal, despite overwhelming public support.

Budget store Aldi applied in March 2015 to build a 12,000 sq ft store with 78 parking associated parking spaces on Avenue West at the Skyline 120 Business Park in Great Notley, which would create up to 50 jobs.

The application will be discussed at Braintree Planning Committee meeting on Tuesday. However, it has been recommended for refusal as the site is reserved for employment purposes and not retail.

Concerns have also been raised about a possible detrimental effect the superstore could have on Braintree town centre. Planners suggest the supermarket would be better-off located north-west of Braintree.

Aldi claims 90 per cent of local people support their plans to build on the site and the majority are tired of Tesco’s alleged monopoly of the town.

The report mentioned other locations, specifically to the north-west of Braintree, that they deem preferable for similar-sized convenience goods stores.

So far the planning application has received more than 57 comments in support, with just four opposing the plans.

An Aldi spokesman said: “We are really disappointed that, despite overwhelming public support for a new Aldi in Great Notley, council officers are recommending that planning should be refused on just two grounds.

“We also respectfully completely disagree with the suggestion that a new Aldi for Great Notley should be located in north-west Braintree. “This is of absolutely no benefit whatsoever to Great Notley residents. It is clear for everyone to see that the site has been vacant for over ten years and currently offers absolutely nothing to the local area.

“Aldi are proposing a multi-million pound investment that will offer genuine retail choice to Great Notley residents. The new foodstore will provide 50 new local jobs and Aldi will invite local contractors to tender for the construction process. Refusing planning permission is saying no to this fantastic opportunity.”

“While officers are recommending the application be refused, Councillors make the final decision and we remain optimistic that they will listen to their electorate and recognise the overwhelming benefits that this new development will bring to the area.

She added: “We hope local people will attend the meeting to show their support.”

The planning committee meeting takes place on Tuesday at Causeway House, Bocking End, Braintree at 7.15pm and everyone is welcome to attend.