A LARGE piece of land in Halstead looks increasingly likely to become the home of a new supermarket.

A sale price has been agreed for an area to the east of the High Street, which is roughly two thirds the size of a football pitch.

It is rumoured Tesco is looking to take on the site, but the company has refused to confirm or deny the claim.

A spokesman said: “We have been looking for an opening in Halstead for a number of years and we are aware there is a site close to the town centre that is currently being marketed.

“We are actively exploring opportunities as they arise, but as yet nothing has been agreed or finalised.

“As soon as we have any definite information to share with our customers, we will, of course, let them know.”

At a Braintree Council meeting, councillor Nigel Harley presented a report which stated the preferred purchaser of the land was looking to develop 30,000sq ft of “food retail”.

The report said at present the five landowners involved, including Braintree Council, had agreed a draft sale document.

The report noted: “It is hoped the other parties’ solicitors will recommend their agreement soon.” Mr Harley said three other landowners were yet to agree to the sale.

The council has negotiated a 20 per cent share in the net sale proceeds, which amounts to £1million.

Greenstead Green resident Kirsty Newton, a 20-year-old estate agent, said: “I would welcome a Tesco store.

“It irritates me having to drive to Sudbury or Braintree to shop at Tesco.”