The remarks by the planning officials that the objections to Tesco's scheme to build flats and an Express store on the site of the Marsham Arms do not have enough "planning merit" will amaze any person with local knowledge of the traffic in Waterhouse Lane.

At peak times of the day and at weekends the traffic is gridlocked up and down the road, shuffling between sets of traffic lights.

Another Tesco store will only add to the chaos.

We do not need more convenience stores. We already have two within one hundred yards.

I wonder what would happen if anyone else slipped a cheque for £72,000 into a planning application under the section 106 agreement and sent it to the council?

D.F.Clift

Canuden Road

Chelmsford