Controversial plans to build a Tesco store in a busy Wirral centre look set to go ahead in the face of an avalanche of opposition from the local community.

A protest petition signed by more than 1,000 people and a series of letters of objection were lodged with Wirral planning authority against Tesco’s bid to construct a store on the site of a former service station.

Objections ranged from alleged noise from deliveries at unsociable hours and increased dangers to children attending a nearby school to increased parking problems and claims that a large shop would be a blot on the landscape.

A handful of people wrote to the planning authority in support of the project. They claimed that the proposal would bring shoppers into Wallasey Village and revitalise the area as well as encouraging other traders.

Wirral planning committee will make a final ruling on the application next Thursday.

But town planners have recommended its approval and insist that the development would not present any significant detriment to the amenities of neighbouring properties or detrimental change to the character of the local area.

The proposal provides 12 parking spaces – only half the number of spaces allowed for the size of store.

Planners pointed out in a report to next week’s meeting that convenience stores of this nature tended to generate a high turnover of parking spaces with shoppers typically remaining in the store for a few minutes.

The development site is close to a large school and residential area.

The applicant will be required to pay for a ‘Puffin’ crossing in the location of an existing pedestrian refuge fronting the site.