A PUBLIC hearing will decide if the Drury Arms pub, in Colchester, can be converted into a Sainsbury’s.

The supermarket wants to turn the former pub in Layer Road into a convenience store.

Planning rules mean Sainsbury’s does not have to apply for permission. But an application for an extension to store goods was rejected by Colchester Council in February.

Site owner Property Portfolio appealed against the decision.

An independent planning inspector had intended to make a decision without holding an inquiry. But after receiving a 1,600-name petition against the plans, the inspector has decided to hold a one-day hearing into the appeal, at Colchester Town Hall on Tuesday, June 26.

Shopkeepers from three nearby convenience stores, backed by Lib Dem borough councillors, canvassed residents for the petition.

Ralph Martin, of Ralph and Rita’s, said the opposition had a little over a month to put together its arguments against the bid.

He said: “The appeal was going to be decided by written representations only.

“But we have been told, because of the volume of correspondence, it is now going to be decided at a formal inquiry.

“We’re going to be doing another flyer, telling everyone what is going on.”

Shopkeepers and residents fear the store, near a Tesco supermarket planned for Butt Road, would cause traffic chaos.

The Drury Arms, a popular haunt for Colchester United fans when the club’s stadium was in Layer Road, closed last summer and was temporarily used as a furniture store.

Mr Martin said giving all sides the chance to put their views in person was the right decision.

He said: “It is better if people are able to speak about the application in person ,as well as sending it in writing.

“I think everyone we have spoken to is of the same opinion. They can’t see how this can possibly be granted. This is our community and it is not right.”

Colchester Council refused the extension because it considered the store would generate noise affecting neighbouring properties, the scale of the extension would have a negative impact on the building’s historical character and would be too big.

Sainsbury’s says the store would create 20 jobs.