The final stage of controversial plans to set up a Tesco store on the site of a pub is set to be completed next week – despite a wave of protest from residents who strongly object to the scheme.

On Tuesday an application by Tesco Stores Ltd to Waveney District Council to extend the Tramway Hotel in London Road, Pakefield, to create a fourth store for the Lowestoft area will go to a vote.

In a blow to the thousands of people who say the creation of a Tesco Express at the Victorian pub will affect other shops and pose traffic problems, the council’s development control committee has been advised the two single-storey rear extensions should be approved.

The recommendations by Waveney planning officers come after another blow for anti-Tesco campaigners last month when it was ruled Tesco did not need change of use planning permission to convert the pub into a store, which will create 20 jobs.

A planning report to Tuesday’s committee sets out the large number of objections sent in to the council about Tesco’s plans.

But it recommends the committee vote in favour of the extensions as they “are considered to be acceptable in their appearance and character”.