THE first four planning applications have been submitted in Tesco’s bid to open an Express store in Lyme Regis.

Applications for a replacement sign, new shopfront, installation of an ATM machine and air conditioning equipment have been submitted this week to the district council’s planning department.

They are the first applications lodged to convert the former Woolworths store in Broad Street into a Tesco Express, due to open in February.

The store has already been cleared and the company takes vacant possession of the building on Monday.

The supermarket is applying for two illuminated signs, one of which is a bus stop sign, which it says ‘represents a high standard of design’.

In its application, Tesco states: “The signage has been designed to enhance the quality of the building, respect the style and appearance of the host building and allow the character of the Conservation Area and adjacent listed building to be preserved.”

A second application for a new shop front includes frosted windows, automatic doors, an access ramp, and improvements to existing stonework, window ledges and frames.

Tesco is also proposing to install a cash machine set within the shop front, in an area with a security light and monitored by a security camera. The planning document says: “The ATM would integrate with the shopfront as a whole and would not detract from the appearance of the building. The ATM would not appear overly prominent in the street scene.”

A request for three air conditioning units and two condenser units on the roof of the store has also been submitted.

The air conditioning would operate during trading hours only. The condenser unit would run constantly but operate at reduced speed at night and the cash office air conditioning would run during warm weather.

Love Lyme campaigners are now planning to object to the requests in a bid to stop Tesco coming to Lyme Regis.

Objector Franny Owen said it might sound far-fetched but explained how it would work.

“We object to the planning applications on the grounds that if they are granted Tesco will be able to trade in a way that threatens the ‘vitality and viability’ of our town centre,” she said.

“Our role is to object to the planning applications on these material planning grounds and make sure that West Dorset District Council apply national, regional and local guidance correctly in making their decision.

“We will also be able to make material objections in relation to issues of noise, increased traffic, highway safety and the impact on the character and appearance of the Conservation Area.”

A town meeting for all residents will be held on Monday, November 24 at 7pm in the Marine Theatre. Lyme Regis Town Council has invited Tesco bosses but is still awaiting a reply.

Objector Tilly Lavenás said that as of Monday, no town councillors had confirmed they would be at the meeting.

“Where are our councillors when we need them?” she asked.

Town clerk Mike Lewis said at the request of the Love Lyme group, the authority would also be holding a referendum, conducted through the council newsletter which went to every household in the town.

Ms Lavenás said so far more than 600 people had filled in their questionnaire and 490 people (80.4 per cent) said they opposed Tesco.