A long-running debate over the opening of a controversial food store is due to rumble on after Tesco announced they have delayed their start date until next year.

A complex planning process which saw the proposal for the Bourne End express store originally approved in 2011, finally ended earlier this year.

However, despite months of wrangling over the details of the entrance to the site, work still appears to be incomplete and a Tesco spokesman says they will not open until at least January.

An opening had originally been planned for March this year but after the company was forced to re-submit an application the store was left empty awaiting the decision.

The company had to re-apply after the Wycombe District Council planning team deemed they had too many changes to their original plans.

They were then given the final seal of approval in July and the store was given the green light to open on Tuesday, November 18.

But this planned opening date was never met and the store is still currently undergoing construction work.

Tesco spokesman Jack Pearson said: “We’re really looking forward to serving the local community and welcoming customers into their new store.

“We hope to have the store open early next year and will keep the local community updated on our progress.”

Over the course of the planning process for this building many residents have voiced their concerns with some now unsure of why it has taken so long to open after permission was granted.

WDC spokesman Catherine Spalton said: “We understand that the new access to the store is currently under construction.

“It is a requirement of the planning consent that this access is completed before the store can open.”

What do you think of the Tesco store? Have your say by tweeting @bucksfreepress or email andrew.colley@london.newsquest.co.uk