In 2006 Tesco submitted a revised planning application to increase the size of its store in Riverhead. The application involved increasing the store from 4,793 sq m to 7,269 sq m. It would also involve increasing the proportion of non-convenience goods being sold from 10% to 31%. The application was opposed strongly by local residents, Riverhead Parish Council, Sevenoaks Town Council and Dunton Green Parish Council.
A Public Inquiry was due to start in early March 2008 but a new application submitted by Tesco in December 20007 was considered at a special meeting of the Development Control Committee of Sevenoaks District Council on 28th February 2008. The public gallery was packed with protestors. After some debate, the Committee was divided evenly 8-8 for and against. Permission was finally granted on the casting vote of the Chairman of the Committee.