Tesco hope to be able to open an Express store in a former pub early next year.

The supermarket chain has submitted plans to convert the former Kings Head pub, in Coggeshall Road, Braintree.

The proposed store could create 20 new jobs, but more than 400 residents have signed a petition, organised by a nearby post office, opposing the development.

An application for an ATM and security bollards for the site was withdrawn by Tesco this month.

It had originally been anticipated that building work would begin in October, but this has been delayed.

A Tesco spokesman said: “The council have advised that we need to resubmit some of the applications because the store's extension is being built.

“We will submit the plans shortly.

“We look forward to serving the local community by offering convenience and choice as well as providing local jobs.

“We hope to open the store in spring next year.”