A NEW Tesco Express could open in Wanstead High Street within weeks after the store cleared its final planning hurdle.

Opponents of the plan to open the new outlet on the site of the former Woolworths won a temporary reprieve when the council turned down an application to create a loading bay directly in front of it.

But the supermarket giant now claims this problem will be resolved by making deliveries via Grosvenor Road instead - clearing the way for work to finally begin on the new store.

A Tesco spokeswoman said the site, which has lain empty for ten months, would take little time to refit - meaning it could be open for use within as little as a month.

The news was met with disappointment by Ashley Gunstock, of Cranbourne Avenue, Wanstead, who led an unsuccessful attempt to challenge the council's decision to grant the store an alcohol licence.

He said: "This is sad news, but at least there is a small mercy in the fact that they were not able to scar the High Street with a loading bay.

"This might mean they won't be able to deliver quite so many goods via the back entrance - making it harder for them to sell as much.

"Hopefully this will help out local small traders a little bit.

"We will be keeping a close eye on what happens at the store when it opens."

Tesco has also come into conflict with Redbridge Council over its plans to open a superstore in Highams Park - which the authority fears could have a negative impact on trade in nearby South Woodford.

Waltham Forest Council will make a decision on the application tomorrow (Tuesday).

A Tesco spokeswoman said that no date had yet been set for the new store to be opened and that the firm had a zero tolerance policy towards under-age drinking.