Residents have revealed their anger at plans to build a supermarket next to Hitchin's The Anchor Inn pub, describing the application as "unfeasible and ridiculous".
As part of the proposal, land at the rear of the building currently occupied by hedges, grass and a play area, would be turned into shop and warehouse, "occupied by Sainsburys and functioning as a Sainsbury’s Local", according to a planning statement submitted by Walsingham Planning.
Residents are far from happy with the plans, with objections flooding in on the North Herts Council planning portal.
"I find the idea of a new express supermarket so close to the Tesco at the station nearby unfeasible and ridiculous," one wrote.
"Surely it would be better to regenerate the existing shops on Cambridge Road, many of which are empty or not trading.
"I strongly object to this proposal and will be also writing to my MP."
Others raised concerns about the impact the supermarket would have on exisitng local businesses, with one writing: "There are already enough businesses to support the locality, with two providing parcel services and one containing a Post Office.
READ MORE: New supermarket part of plans submitted for Hitchin pub
"The damage that a supermarket will do to the existing shops increases the risk of putting them out of business. To lose the local Post Office would be very detrimental to the area."
Another added: "The traffic in this area can be very heavy at peak times and an additional shop will add to this causing congestion and pollution.
"Hitchin doesn't need another convenience shop and this proposal will negatively impact established local businesses."
One resident described the road as "already dangerous" for both traffic and pedestrians, saying: "Cambridge Road and the crossroads next to The Anchor are almost always congested.
"Turning towards Letchworth from the pub is already dangerous and almost impossible due to either congestion or fast moving traffic. To make this car park busier would be dangerous and unnecessary.
"The pedestrian access outside the pub is already challenging. The pub can redeveloped without adding a chain supermarket."
Others also took issue with flooding, which is a regular occurance in and around Cambridge Road following heavy rain.
To view the application, visit pa2.north-herts.gov.uk/online-applications.
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