Dozens of people have protested at plans for a giant new superstore on the outskirts of “Tesco Town”.

Worthing Borough Council received 47 objections to the proposed development off New Road in West Durrington.

The retail giant already has planning permission to replace the existing store with one almost twice the size on neighbouring farmland.

The plans, which will be considered by councillors on Thursday, include more than 700 car spaces, a cafe, separate shops and a community centre.

But one protester said: “Worthing is already known as Tesco Town. With numerous Tesco Express stores dotted throughout the borough there is no need for the size of store now proposed.”

Another argued: “Worthing town centre is slowly dying and the last thing it needs after the problems with parking and the credit crunch is a Tesco with free parking four miles away.”

A third said that a bigger Tesco would force rival independent retailers out of business, resulting in job losses.

In addition there were concerns about noise from traffic visiting the 24 hours a day store, disturbance to people living in Canberra Way, and the impact on the South Downs National Park a mile away.

The objections mirror complaints in Brighton where protesters demonstrated against a new Tesco Express in St James's Street.

Ben Duncan, a Green Party councillor for Queen's Park, Brighton, said the new store would threaten other traders in the area.

Planning permission for a Tesco in West Durrington was first granted in 1980.

Since then hundreds more homes have been constructed in the area and the store is often crowded.

Around 875 new houses are planned nearby although construction may be delayed for years after the downturn in the property market.

Police suggested that part of the new car park should be closed at night to deter boy racers, a problem which plagued the existing store until a barrier was installed.

The latest Tesco meeting was called to finalise the details of the new superstore.