Van Hage MD Chris Roberts says he remains positive about proposals to build a Waitrose store next to the company’s Great Amwell store, despite continuing objections from one neighbouring local authority.

Waitrose want to replace their Hertford store at Bircherley Green in 2016 with one double the size on the Van Hage site. But Hertford Town councillors, fearing the negative impact on the town created by the loss of Waitrose, unanimously objected for a second time, citing the detrimental affect on traffic and their town centre economy.

The application, withdrawn in December largely to resolve outstanding highways and transport issue, was re-submitted to East Herts District Council, the local planning authority, in January. A decision is expected by the end of March.

Chris Roberts told GTN Xtra: “It’s East Herts who will decide, not Hertford. As far as we are concerned, we believe the only sticking point now is the objection by Hertford, who are not happy about losing Waitrose.

“We have been working with the local planning officials at East Herts on the issues raised last time and there has been a lot of progress. I’m still very positive the plans will have enough support.

“We have taken legal counsel on this application because the site is in the Green Belt, but it is a fully built-up site with full Class A retail use, so we’re confident.”

Hundreds of Van Hage customers have signed petitions in support of the plans and further support is being canvassed via the centre’s website and 33,000 local homes this week