A supermarket believes it is not disrupting nearby residents by starting deliveries from 5am each day.

Sainsbury’s, in Tofts Walk, Braintree, is seeking permission to allow early morning deliveries seven days a week.

Temporary permission, which expires in April, was granted last year while Braintree Council monitored noise impacts on neighbouring residents.

Leanne Croft, of agents Indigo Planning, said: “No complaints have subsequently arisen in relation to the early morning delivery arrangements.

“The proposed delivery times to the front of the store will help the existing town centre anchor store to continue to operate efficiently and effectively, and to contribute positively to the vitality and viability to Braintree town centre.”

A public consultation period on the application closes on March 18.