SUPERMARKET bosses have applied to build a health clinic or nursery, five shops and 19 flats next to their store.

ASDA, in Priory Chase, Rayleigh, wants to build the three-storey building, the ground floor of which would house shops and possibly a restaurant, bar or takeaway.

It would include 11 two-bedroom and eight one-bedroom apartments and 19-space car park.

Rochford District Council has already received four letters of objection from nearby residents.

In its proposal, planning consultant Planning Potential, said that three flats would be provided for affordable housing.

The statement said: "The mixed-use nature of the development will add vibrancy to the community, thus helping to create a more sustainable community."

Rayleigh Town Council has objected to the development, which would be to the north of the store, on the grounds of overdevelopment of the site and a lack of community facilities.

Corey Vost, 37, who lives opposite the site in Temple Way, said: "I do have concerns about the fast food takeaway mentioned and the drinking establishment.

"I don't think they are warranted on the edge of the town and in a community. There are people those two things would attract and it would cause more litter.

"They should rethink the types of businesses involved and provide something more appropriate, like a newsagent.

"There were rumours it might be a petrol station, which we didn't want."

The district council is aiming to make a decision about the application by September 3.

No one from ASDA was able to comment at the time of going to press.