SAINSBURY’S plans to open its next superstore in Colchester have been delayed by concerns over potentially flawed traffic data.

The supermarket giant has submitted a planning application to Colchester Council to transform the B&Q store in Lightship Way, at the Hythe, into the town’s fourth Sainsbury’s store – creating 450 jobs.

A decision on the proposals was expected to have been made by the council by July 4.

However, a traffic assessment submitted with the application has halted the process.

Sainsbury’s claims the 73,000 sq ft store would not have a “severe” impact on traffic.

But a Colchester Council spokesman said: “We have some questions regarding the methodology used for the traffic assessment – especially the use of local demographics to justify a reduced car trip generation.

“We are awaiting a response from the transport consultants (Vectos) on these issues, but at present are not in a position to determine the application.”

Sainsbury’s traffic assessment claims many shoppers are likely to walk, cycle or use the bus to get to the store.

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