HUNDREDS of people have signed a petition calling for a rethink on a controversial Tesco.

Some 729 have added their names to the petition against a Tesco opening, in Cotman Road, Prettygate, Colchester.

Residents have already cried foul because neither they nor councillors were consulted on plans to open the store as changes to planning permission were “non-material”, or not important enough.

Permission was initially given to turn three shops into four, before officers agreed, without consultation, it would be OK to knock the four shops into one and open a Tesco Express.

Council bosses initially said officers had acted “ultra vires” in making the decision, but have since backed down and said no mistake was made.

In a letter to Adrian Pritchard, Colchester Council’s chief executive, the Prettygate Community Group has now called on the council to review its planning procedures.

Members added: “Based on our recent experience, residents think it is highly likely some other community in the Colchester area will suffer the same disregard, disrespect and disempowerment as the Prettygate community has.”

A meeting is due to be held between the group and the council.

Anne Turrell, Colchester councillor responsible for planning, said in a reply to the group: “There is no planning justification to revoke the decision or modify it.”