SUPERMARKET giant Tesco opened its latest Southampton store yesterday without proper planning permission, the Daily Echo can reveal.

Its ninth city Express store was opened in Bitterne Park at the site of the former Shell petrol station in Cobden Avenue.

It will create about 20 jobs. Yet works carried out to the roof, signs and drainage, have not been given approval by planners.

A spokesman for Southampton City Council said enforcement officers at Southampton City Council will move in if it fails to pass its application. It will be heard next month at the earliest.

It means Tesco bosses could be left red-faced with a store in breach of planning law.

Bitterne Park ward councillor Cllr Peter Baillie said: "I was disappointed to hear that Tesco have applied for restrospective planning permission and have already asked the planning enforcement team to investigate.

"The muscling into Bitterne Park by Tesco has already caused concern and the restrospective application will have done nothing to improve Tesco's image."

Residents have already objected to the store over traffic congestion concerns. And they have questioned whether there is a need for another supermarket.

The original plans for the store were passed in March last year.

Objectors have until March 15 to make representations on the new application ref 07/00156/FUL.

A Tesco spokesman said: "During the construction period it became evident that some minor amendments could be made to further enhance the development and we submitted an planning application to this effect.

"In no way do these minor modifications affect the principle use of retail.

"We look forward to serving customers on Cobden Avenue and believe we will complement the other traders and be a part of the thriving business community.''