A factory which has stood empty for five years is still without a buyer despite planning permission being granted to turn it into a supermarket.

The former EMD factory on Kings Road, which used to manufacture motor parts, was bought by developers Scott Properties in 2009.

The site was granted planning permission for a 22,000 square foot supermarket with 114 car parking spaces, but so far there have been no takers.

It is understood Tesco was interested in the site in 2012 but decided not to go through with the purchase.

Halstead Town Council Chairman David Hume said: "I am dissapointed, it has drifted on for a long time now.

"In the early days we heard certain supermarkets were front runners but we have heard nothing for a long time."

See this week's Gazette for the full story.