It's ten years ago this week since we reported on the increasing concern about plans for a new supermarket in the heart of Epping.

A wave of opposition is mounting to plans for a new supermarket in a historic town centre.

Four options for the redevelopment of a seven acre site at the heart of Epping have been submitted for public consultation by Epping Forest District Council.

Amongst the options are plans for new flats, a supermarket, or leisure facilities.

More than 400 residents have signed a petition calling for the council to scrap the retail option, amidst fears that high street traders could be ruined by competition with yet another retail giant.

John Cousins is a manager of Church’s Butchers in Epping High Street.

He said: “Councillors should be working to protect our High Street. We do not need that sort of competition.”

Shopper Elaine Bower, 65, of Theydon Bower, said: “There are already so many charity shops on the high street, we do not need more shops closing down."

Stephen Harding, 37, lives in St John’s Road and organised the petition with neighbours.

He said: “We just do not think that the town needs another supermarket.

“We had a meeting with councillors and more than 100 residents that was quite heated and councillors said they could not rule out the supermarket option even if most people are against it, which is concerning.”

Despite originally claiming that the leisure option for a new gym or swimming pool on the site were financially unviable, councillors have since stressed that they want to keep all four options open, and have extended the consultation deadline to April 23.

Mr Harding said: “The leisure use option should remain on the table, for many this is the preferred option and they want to see the council explore it in more detail.

“We would like them to look at options such as as opening the site up to a commercial leisure operator.”

Cllr Gagan Mohindra, the council’s cabinet member for economic development, said: “We are inviting people to suggest funding streams for the leisure facilities option.

“The plans drawn up by the consultants suggested that option would not be affordable given the current financial climate. However, that might change in the future.”