Shopkeepers affected by Tesco’s delayed plans for Lowfield Street have complained they are being kept in the dark.

It has emerged that the retail giant’s change of heart has cost it at least another £55,000.

That is how much the firm has paid to apply to build a smaller store than the one it originally wanted for Lowfield Street.

An application submitted in 2011, and approved by the council the following year, was much larger, with more retail space, parking and homes.

But the firm changed its mind in favour or a smaller shop, more suited to online and home delivery. It is now being scrutinised by planning officers.

It is the fourth submission by the supermarket during the 11-year saga and, although the third one was approved, people with businesses in the area remain unconvinced it is going to be built.

Ray Richardson owns Richardson’s butchers, one of the oldest family businesses in Dartford, which has been in the same place for more than 100 years.

After years of wrangling with Tesco and a compulsory purchase order hanging over his head Mr Richardson finally agreed to sell.

He said: “I was all ready to sign the agreement. Tesco said the money was on the way and then they pulled out.

"Now they’ve put this new application in, but they haven’t even sent me copy of the plans.

“They’re still set on knocking down my shop but I haven’t had so much as a phone call.

“It just doesn’t seem very sincere. I won’t believe they are truly on board with this application until the money for my shop is in my account, and they actually get on and build it.”

Tesco parted with almost £55,000 on June 30, to cover the council’s planning fee.

But is the new proposal a poor relation compared to the last?

Council leader Cllr Jeremy Kite (Con) doesn’t think so.

He said: “To be honest we were never particularly interested in the Tesco store itself – we just want Tesco to regenerate the area that they have virtually destroyed, and to do that as soon as possible.

“Having said that, some people did express concerns over the size of the build in the last application so this one really should be more to people’s liking.”

Officers are trawling through the plans before making their recommendations.

A decision is expected in autumn.

There's more reaction in today's Dartford Messenger.