Plans for a new supermarket have been opposed by a council committee despite a recommendation by officers last month.

Epping Forest District Council met on Tuesday to discuss the development in a former car park in Church Hill, Loughton, where Anderson Group wants to build a three-storey building made up of six flats and a Sainsbury's.

There are already two other Sainsbury's supermarkets within a one-mile radius of the site.

Council planning officers recommended the application for approval on August 14, but the committee decided to object to the permission due to the strength of public concern.

A petition signed by 62 people and 80 letters highlighted the grounds for objection as highway safety concerns, loss of trade, noise and the tall, "bulky" design of the building.

Loughton Town Council objected to the plans.

Its planning committee clerk Viveinne Messenger said: "The strength of opposition to this application felt by local residents was obvious.  

"Loughton Town Council also had a number of serious concerns which included highway safety, parking issues on neighbouring residential streets and the worrying negative impact on the existing smaller, local independent businesses.  

"We are pleased Epping Forest District Council took these into account in its deliberations."

Campaigners expressed concern in August after the recommendation of highway safety for the development's traffic flow was estimated from figures back in 2007 when it was still used as a car park.

Campaign group Residents Against The Third Sainsbury’s (RATTS) feared traffic projections were not accurate and the area could become congested.

Member David Wilding said: "I am very happy with the decision that has been made as far as we stand.

"However I am concerned that Sainsbury's may appeal the decision."

Anderson Group employee Rory Anderson said: "We are clearly disappointed with the decision.

"We are currently reviewing our options and will update the community at the earliest opportunity."