The first designs of a possible new supermarket where a pub has stood for 300 years have been revealed.

Developers Green Lanes Investments, who took over the running of the Green Dragon pub, in Winchmore Hill after it closed in January, conducted a survey in the area for plans on the site.

There has been mass opposition to the possible plans of the historic pub becoming a Waitrose or Aldi supermarket, with more than 4,500 people signing a petition started by Save the Green Dragon campaign.

However, GLI claim that of the 1,500 homes that had leaflets sent to them, 77 per cent of local businesses and 73 per cent of residents supported its plans on opening a supermarket.

As well as redeveloping the site, there will be nine new homes built and GLI claims it will maintain the ‘much loved external appearance’.

Despite the developers stating they found “considerable support” for its plans, Mick McClean, who is leading the campaign to preserve the pub, rubbished the claims.

He said: “There is no need for a Waitrose when there is one 1.5 miles away.

“Councillors support us and we have more than 4,500 signatures from people in the local area supporting us so how they have claimed this I don’t know.

“You can throw money at it but we need to look at what is best for the community and the community wants it to be a pub.”

The campaign saw its initial attempt for make the site an Asset of Community Value rejected but Mr McClean is hopeful the site will achieve the status in its second application made six weeks ago.

A spokesperson for GLI said: “When we bought the vacant site we knew there would be support for a little Waitrose, but this is even more emphatic than we hoped. A silent majority of residents clearly want a good shop and new family homes. What’s more, local firms appreciate they will benefit from extra footfall and increased trade.

“The survey also found considerable support for the building, which reinforces our desire to sensitively restore the façade and retain the Green Dragon emblem.

"We want to provide an asset the community can value for years to come, providing new jobs and economic activity, and are delighted the community think our plans achieve that.”