WIRRAL councillors are set to give the go-ahead to plans for a new Tesco in Wallasey Village.

More than 1,000 concerned residents are against proposals for the retail giant to build a store there.

The supermarket chain has applied for permission from Wirral Council to create a Tesco Express at the former Classic Cars site in Wallasey Village.

It is the second time the company has put forward plans to build on the land after initial proposals were rejected by councillors in April on the grounds that would an “alien” feature to the area.

But now following amendments to its scale and design, the borough’s planning committee are expected to approve the move.

However 1,026 people have signed a petition in protest while 19 individual letters of objection have also been sent in to the local authority.

Among the reasons for opposing the development are concerns regarding car parking issues, pollution from vehicles, noisy deliveries and traffic problems.

Local councillor Leah Fraser, who is backing residents’ fight, said: “There is an issue with the highways aspect of the application as there are already car parking problems in the area with a school being just over the road.

“Residents are concerned that wagons delivering goods late at night or early morning could disturb them with the extra noise.

“A lot of people who signed the petition already use the Nisa store which is opposite the site and are adamant that they do not want Tesco in the village. There is a very strong feeling against the plans and just two people have contacted me in favour of it.”

Although residents have objected to the supermarket chain’s arrival, they suggest the land would be more suited to affordable housing and also voiced worries about the proposed store looking out of place compared with other shops.

According to planning documents, which will go before the committee on tonight, The Wallasey Civic Society say they are concerned about crime increasing due to the site being next door to a pub and a possible detriment to neighbouring traders.

Planning consultancy firm SCP  Transportation Planning have also aired their views, stating that the design of the scheme is “unacceptable” and that it is not clear how staff and customers with disabilities would access the first floor of the new Tesco.

However five letters of support have also been lodged, which highlight the need for more competitive trade in the area and the prospect of the plans “revitalizing” Wallasey Village.

The planning committee will meet at Wallasey Town Hall on tonight at 6pm.