ANTI-TESCO campaigners were celebrating last night after an application to build a new store in a seaside resort was unanimously rejected by councillors.

Tesco and Exmax New Homes had applied to build the Express convenience store and 13 flats on the site of the former Frinton Motors garage in Walton Road, Frinton.

Dozens of residents turned out to hear the decision.

Maureen Smith, who lives in Bloom Close, behind the site, said: “We are very relieved – it would just destroy the town.”

Iris Johnson, Tendring Council’s planning portfolio-holder, who had given up her vote in order to speak against the application, said: “I am thrilled.”

She had told the meeting that the recent closure of Budgens, on Connaught Avenue, proved the store was not needed, adding “no clone towns for us”.

David Melder, owner of a newsagent next to the site, hailed the ruling as “common sense”.

Officers at Tendring Council had recommended the plans for refusal.