A BUDGET supermarket is planning to expand by knocking down two “historic” buildings.

Aldi, The Broadway, Wickford wants to increase the shop floor from 980sq m to 1,254 sq m, making it the same size as about 12 tennis courts.

The company has purchased 2 to 12 The Broadway, to provide the additional space.

While many support the additional jobs and space the store would create there is opposition due to the buildings which would be lost if the expansion goes ahead.

A petition has been launched by Ian Ulting to save the buildings.

He is calling on Basildon Council to reject the plans, before they are even submitted, and create a conservation area to protect them instead.

The Wickford resident said: “The white cottage is the oldest building in the town centre and dates back to 1827, there’s weatherboard under the render and it must be kept.

“I would encourage anyone to buy and save them.

“Barely anything has been kept of the town’s history and I want to see them kept.

“The cladding used on the building is important and very typical of Essex buildings historically.”

However others have backed the plans as necessary progress and good for the economy.

Former mayor David Harrison said he has no objection to the expansion.

He said: “I know people want to save the buildings but I don’t really understand why.

“Aldi is very popular and brings a lot to the town.

“I think if it expanded it would be good for Wickford.”

A store spokesman said: “The vacant buildings are not listed and the principle of demolishing the buildings has previously been accepted by officers, when planning permission for a housing development was granted in 2008.

“Aldi’s proposals are in line with planning policy, which prioritises the use of town centre sites first.

“The investment would create a more attractive store, provide the opportunity to widen the footpath and improve the wider public realm, and contribute to the regeneration of Wickford town centre.”

A Basildon Council spokesman said: “Planning permission had been granted in 2008 to demolish the buildings and replace them with ten two-bed flats, offices and retail space but consent expired in 2011.

“The council has not received any new applications referring to 2-12 The Broadway and is not currently in receipt of a petition relating to these buildings.”

To see the petition see //you.38degrees.org.uk/ and search Wickford.