Dozens of homeowners and traders have written to Warwick District Council's planning department objecting to plans to develop Tesco in Emscote Road and Sainsbury's on the Saltisford.

The application to increase floor space at Tesco was submitted in February and outlines plans to build a two-storey 2,118 sq ft extension behind the store, as well as a lobby with toilets and a collection area for online deliveries.

But residents living near the site fear the plan could be dangerous as space allocated for extra car parking infringes on the canal's floodplain.

Emscote Gardens Residents Association secretary Linda Bromley, said: "We are worried about the flood risk.

"We have been and looked at the plans which show space for around 20 more car parking spaces but aren't very clear and we are concerned about what could be going on behind the store as that is our floodplain.

"I don't think we need a bigger store there. I prefer to use local shops in Warwick and think we have some lovely shops."

Town centre businesses have also voiced concerns about how selling clothing and homeware may affect their trade.

Chamber Of Trade chairman Sue Butcher said: "We have lodged an objection. We do not have a problem with that store selling food but it's the fact they want to sell anything else which has annoyed local traders."

Sainsbury's is also planning to enlarge its store and submitted an application to the council's planning department on March 23 to create 500 sq m of extra space and make alterations to the layout and car park.

The supermarket was given permission for this almost a decade ago, in October 1999, and has reapplied twice since as the application was due to expire.

Warwick District Councillor responsible for development John Hammon (Con, Cubbington) said: "I am undecided. This is a planning issue.

"We have to consider whether Warwick will benefit from it. We have enough problems with competition and it can be difficult for local shops to compete with supermarkets."

Speaking about the plans, a Sainsbury's spokeswoman said: "The application is for a small extension to the front of the site.

"We have already got planning permission but it expires after three years so we are just resubmitting an application to allow us time to do the extension before it runs out. There is no schedule for the development at the moment."

Last month Tesco admitted it is interested in turning the former Sarah Siddons pub into a Metro store. The company has also applied to open stores on the Holywell Business Park Southam and has confirmed it is planning to open a store on the site of the Walnut Tree pub in Lillington.

Sainsbury's Local opened in Emscote Road last year.