SUPERMARKET giant Asda has been told to rethink its plans for a revamp of the click and collect facility at its Colchester store.

The firm has applied for planning permission to revamp its click and collect facility at its shop at the Turner Rise Retail Park.

Plans will see a new external pod created at the front of the shop for storage whilst the existing click and collect canopy will be removed and replaced.

But the plan has proved controversial amongst residents and campaigners with Colchester Cycling Campaign saying the proposed new size of the pedestrian and cycle walkway was unacceptable.

Ward councillor Martin Goss, who is also Colchester Council’s transport boss, has also submitted an objection to the proposals.

Rethink - Mile End councillor Martin Goss has asked Asda to rethink proposals

Rethink - Mile End councillor Martin Goss has asked Asda to rethink proposals

He said: “I am concerned this will cause issues with the pedestrian and cycle links directly to the store which are well used.

“The footpath will be shrunk to two metres, from a total ten metres current, which is a huge reduction.”

He added: “I don’t have an issue with the overall application if they deal with the removal of space for walking and cycling.

“Also in the current climate it is not wide enough for social distancing.

“This plan need a rethink I am afraid.”

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Residents have also continued to object to the proposals online.

Concerns - residents and councillors have raised concerns about plans for changes at Asda in Colchester

Concerns - residents and councillors have raised concerns about plans for changes at Asda in Colchester

One said: “A large number of people use this path to walk to and from town and the station. Narrowing it so much doesn’t seem sensible.

“If Asda really must build it to this size then at least use some of the car park so the path can be wider.”

However, some residents have spoken out in support of the proposals.

One said: “It seems like a fantastic use of an area of the car park which barely ever sees any cars parking there.

“It will give a much needed increase in capacity for the growing click and collect service.”

Asda said it did not wish to comment on the proposals at this stage.

Colchester Council’s planning committee will have the final say on the plans.