Residents are overwhelmingly in favour of an Aldi supermarket opening in Great Notley, the discount supermarket chain has claimed.

Last month, the Times revealed the firm had delivered leaflets to residents in Great Notley outlining its vision for a 12,000 sq ft store with 89 car parking spaces at the entrance of the Skyline 120 Business park.

Now the firm has submitted a screening opinion request to Braintree Council which claims nearly 90 per cent of residents surveyed responded positively.

The request, which will find out if an environmental impact assessment is needed, is the first step towards obtaining full planning permission.