The supermarket firm resubmitted its application to build on the existing market earlier this year, three years after originally purchasing the site.

It has now earmarked Knights Farm, near to the Boship roundabout, as a replacement.

Hailsham has been designated a market town under royal charter since 1252 but the proposed new site falls just outside the parish.

However many local farmers believe a move is essential and say improved road links will increase trade.

East Sussex farmer Phil Hook said, "We have been looking for somewhere as close to Hailsham town centre as possible but this is as near as we can get.

"To have something which is both easily accessible to farmers across East and West Sussex and is state of the art will be welcomed."

Hailsham mayor Nick Ellwood has angrily rejected the plans which he said should be thrown out by Wealden District Council.

The council's planning committee meets on November 8 to decide whether to give the plans the green light.