A petition has been launched yesterday (Wednesday) against multiple planning applications on a Tesco store.

Tesco has submitted four planning applications for an Express store, currently under construction on Market Hill in Royston, asking for permission to build bollards, an ATM machine, install plant equipment on the first floor, and create an illuminated shop front.

In response, community campaigner Clive Porter has launched a petition objecting to the applications, which were also opposed by Royston Town Council on April 7.

He said: “I am objecting because the bollards will make an already narrow pavement even more dangerous and force people out onto a busy road.

“The ATM machine will cause extra congestion because people will stop to use it and the noise generated from the plant equipment will ruin the quality of life for people living nearby.”

Residents at Kennedy Court Retirement Home on Fish Hill, situated about 200 metres from the site, have backed the petition amid concerns of excessive noise, traffic and parking problems.

Resident Pat Bolden, 70, said: “I moved to Royston from Hoddesdon because I wanted to live somewhere quiet. This application is a completely unfair.

“The plant machinery on the first floor might be quiet for the first few months but what about when it’s full of dust? It will be going 24 hours a day and will be an absolute nightmare for people living here.

“No other ATM machine has got bollards in Royston so why should Tesco? It’s a narrow pathway as it is and elderly people, people with pushchairs and the disabled will be forced to walk in the road. This is dangerous and shouldn’t be allowed.

“We are told the store will be supplied by articulated lorries and there’s only a narrow road for them to come down which is right outside our home. I have no doubt this will be noisy and disrupt the residents here.”

Nishan Jeya, retailer at Premier Express in Angel Pavement, said: “We are 100% against all these planning applications. It will create a problem for parking and will draw customers away from other stores in the town. We are a small shop and if Tesco comes here it will be very hard for us.”

The owner of Royston Fryer fish and chips shop, who asked to remain anonymous, said; “We don’t object to any of the applications and are happy for it to open because local people are going to have a shop in the town where they can buy everything they need.”

The four applications are set to be decided at North Herts District Council’s planning meeting next Thursday, April 24.

• See this week’s letters on page 11 and 12 for more reaction.