But a report to the cabinet by council chief executive Sheena Ramsey said: “While positive discussions have taken place with the key landowners within the proposed CPO area regarding the acquisition of their interests, significant delay in acquiring those interests could be prejudicial to the delivery of the project.” But Lib-Dem leader Cllr Smith said: “I’ll be asking the leader if he agrees that this will rip the heart out of the town and that the decision should only be determined after the public inquiry presents the secretary of state’s ruling.”

Tony Barton, of Kirkby Residents Action Group (KRAG) and single issue political group 1st4Kirkby, said: “The nightmare scenario for Kirkby residents is for Tesco to own the land both north and south of Cherryfield Drive to do with it as they wish, or not do anything with it, as the case may be.

“And this is clearly what our council is hell-bent on achieving for Tesco, regardless of the residents' and traders' objections.”

The council report to the cabinet from chief executive Sheena Ramsey admits there is likely to be plenty of objection to the buy-up, and even a second public inquiry into any CPO.

This could ultimately cause further delays to the long-awaited scheme.

The council also announced this week that it has snapped up 19 hectares to the south of Cherryfield Drive and will now work on disposing them with the most likely buyer being Tesco.

KRAG believes that the land will be sold off for far less than it is worth, an allegation that has been denied by council leaders.