A resounding no has greeted Tesco’s plans for an Express store in Herne Bay.

Those living near the site in Canterbury Road say it will adversely affect their homes and businesses and lead to parking problems.

Tesco says the store, proposed for the Queen Court Garage site, will improve the approach road to the town and lead to more jobs.

Letters from the city council’s planning department about the development have been sent to 36 addresses in the immediate vicinity - and they have been greeted with almost universal disdain.

A petition to fight the proposal has been set up by Delia Buckle, whose garden backs onto the proposed store.

“According to the plans I am going to have air-con and refrigeration units pumping into my back garden,” said Ms Buckle, 61, of Gosfield Road.

“I like to sit in my garden and enjoy the peace and quiet. But soon there will be a continual buzz.”

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Immediately next door to the proposed Tesco is Queens News, the newsagents run by Praful and Rashmita Shah.

“We are trying to fight it because it will affect us in a big way,” said Mr Shah, who has run the shop for three-and-a-half years.

Directly opposite the proposed store, lives Margaret Dury.

She said: “My lounge looks straight into the store, and there’s nowhere to park – Gosfield Road is chock-a-block, Canterbury Road is chock-a-block.”

Tesco spokesman Carol Leslie said: “This site is in a designated shopping area and we believe this is an excellent opportunity and location to add to the vitality and viability of the area.

“Past experience and independent studies show that our Express stores increase footfall for neighbouring traders.”

She added that the proposed store will create around 25 jobs.

Residents have until September 26 to submit their views. This can be done online at www.canterbury.gov.uk or on the phone at 01227 862000. The application reference to quote is CA//08/01017.