Tesco has applied to build a Tesco Express on the site of the former Fox and Hounds pub, on Abingdon Road in Oxford. Tesco is applying to the city council for planning permission for a two- or three-storey building at the pub site.

The application has worried traders in Abingdon Road and over 600 people have signed a petition opposing the Tesco plans. The petition was set up by Mohammad Afzal, the sub-postmaster at Nisa Local, which is near the pub site. For more information please see an article in the Oxford Times, 19th July 2010.

In mid-August both applications were turned down. Councillors on the central, south and west area committee had “called in” the application, but then decided to allow officers to decide the applications instead.

Planning officers refused the plan because it failed to provide an efficient use of the land and would prejudice the development of the former filling station site; the 16 car parking spaces was twice the standard number set out in the Oxford Local Plan and considered “excessive” for a convenience store; and the application failed to provide any information on the design of the upper floor. Please see an article in the Oxford Mail, 13th August 2010.

Residents near Lewes Road in Brighton have been dismayed to learn that the redevelopment of the Community Garden on the site of the former ESSO filling station in Lewes Road is likely to include a Tesco store. At the end of June 2010 the Community Garden had to be vacated in the face of court action.

Local residents and Councillors have launched a boycott pledge to help bring pressure upon Tesco not to open a store as it will be proved a failure. Sign the pledge to boycott Lewes Road Tesco: http://bit.ly/lewesroadinfo

Redevelopment plans involving developer Freshwater and Tesco in Margate will see the demolition of a derelict public car park and shops on the Arlington site on the seafront.

Campaigners against a proposed new Tesco store in Margate packed a meeting at a local church hall on 28th June 2010. Some residents understand that Freshwater are only going for full planning permission for Tesco to go on the car park site and that the proposed shops, hotel and doctors surgery will only be subjected to outline planning permission as there are no takers for those units.

At a public meeting there was a unanimous vote against the Tesco development, with residents believing a Tesco store of the size proposed would be detrimental for local residents and existing businesses in Margate. Please see an article at yourthanet.co.uk, 8th July 2010.

Tesco is planning to open its second city centre store in the old Border’s bookshop in Magdalen Street. In April, Tesco announced it was to open its first city centre Express store in the former Solus Lighting shop in St Aldate’s.

Tesco has lodged planning and licensing applications with the City Council including permission for a new entrance, illuminated signs and a cash machine and an alcohol licence for 6am to 12.30am Monday to Friday, 6am to midnight on Saturday and 10am to 6pm on Sunday. 

The Covered Market Traders’ Association has warned it could threaten independent businesses in the city centre. The council will review the applications on July 15, while the drinks licence will be considered on July 25 2010. For more information please see an article in the Oxford Mail, 4th June 2010.

Residents in Ashtead set up a campaign group 'SAVE' (Save Ashtead's Village Environment) to oppose an application, submitted in August 2008, by Tesco for a 12,000 sq ft store on a former Esso site with nine apartments above the store. On the 4th March, Mole Valley District Councillors voted unanimously to refuse Tesco's plan to build a store in the village. Please see an article at getsurrey.co.uk, 5th March 2009.

Tesco then lodged an appeal against this decision but then decided not to register its appeal with Planning Inspectorate but instead do further work on traffic solutions. Campaigners celebrated and hope that Tesco will decide to withdraw its plans once and for all. Please see an article at thisissurreytoday.co.uk, 7th April 2009.

In November 2009 Tesco submitted a new application for a slightly smaller store. Planning officers recommended the application be approved but local residents are urging Councillors to vote against the application.

On 3rd February 2010, Mole Valley District Councillors voted again to refuse the application on the grounds of size of store, bulk and massing, off street parking, excessive hours of opening, increase in traffic at Woodfield Lane and The Street junction, and pedestrian crossing too close to junction and absence of any legal agreement. Please see getsurrey.co.uk, 4th February 2010.

Tesco announced that it will appeal the decision on the 16th February 2010. Please see an article in the Epsom Guardian, 16th February 2010. A public inquiry started on 20th July at Mole Valley District Council. Tesco is also appealing against the earlier refusal. Please see an article at yourlocalguardian.co.uk, 30th April 2010 and Epsom Guardian, 3rd August 2010.

On 24th August planning inspector, Nicholas Hammans, published his report and approved Tesco’s 2nd planning proposal.

Please see the campaign website www.SAVEAshtead.co.uk.

In November 2009 a new campaign group "Devstop and the Care About Hythe Group" was launched in Hythe in response to Sainsbury's plan to build a vast new superstore. With only 15,000 residents, the small town already has 3 supermarkets (the same as neighboring Folkestone with 45,000 residents) and local residents feel Hythe has no need for another supermarket.

In December 2009, Shepway Council approved the Sainsbury's application. Please see an article at kentonline.co.uk, 17th December 2009. However, in January 2010 the application was called-in by the Government Office for the South East but was subsequently given the green light.

In 2009 Tesco announced plans to build a new 14,000 square ft store in Newport Pagnell on the old Aston Martin site on Tickford Street. Residents and traders in the town set up a campaign group " TESNO"  to oppose the plans and pointed to the fact that Tesco already has 10 stores within a 5 mile radius of the build location.

Over 500 people attended public information sessions to showcase Tesco's plans on the 24th-25th March 2009 and more than 5,000 people have signed a petition against the store. For further information please see an article in MKnews. Newport Pagnell town Council organised a public meeting on the 9th April. Please see an article in MK News, 1st April 2009.

In June 2009 members of TESNO presented Councillors with 2,429 objection letters and a 2,000 signature petition. Please see an article in MKNews, 9th June 2009.

At the end of July 2009 Tesco withdrew its application after council officers advised Councillors that the plans could adversely affect the historic town centre.

However, Tesco is planning to submit a new application in the autumn. Please see an article in MK News, 14th July 2010.

For further information please see the campaign website at http://notesco.org.uk.

On the 23rd March 2010 more then 30 people packed out the meeting room at Ascot Day Care Centre to voice their concerns to the Sunninghill and Ascot Parish Council's planning committee about Tesco's plans for a Tesco Express at the former Bathroom World store in Ascot High Street.

Tesco submitted four planning applications to the Royal Borough but parish councillors have objected to plans to install an electrical sub station, a mechanical plant and satellite dish, put in a new shop front and install an ATM machine. As well as concerns about the sub station, residents are also concerned about traffic and safety issues. For more information please see an article in the Bracknell News, 27th March 2010.

However, the Royal Borough granted planning permission for a new shopfront , one internally-illuminated fascia sign and two internally illuminated hanging signs. Planning permission has been refused for an ATM machine (ref: 10/00410); the Parish Council had lodged 'objections'.  Notices of an application for a licence have also been posted. The store is due to open in June.

Tesco plans to turn the Red Lion pub in Milford into a Tesco Express store. The proposed store would be 100 yards from the Milford Co-op and a parade of shops that includes a butcher, a fishmonger and an off-licence.

In October 2009, Witley borough councillor Adam Taylor-Smith launched a ‘Locals against Tesco opening in Milford’ protest page on Facebook that objectors can sign up to.

Tesco will need to submit certain planning applications but it's unlikely it will need planning permission for change of use. For further information please see an article at www.getsurrey.co.uk, 19th October 2009.

In November two Borough councillors distributed questionnaires to all households. 2,259 respondees objected to the plans, with just 61 in favour. Please see more information at "Thousand object to Milford Tesco plan", getsurrey.co.uk, 13th November 2009.

However, in February 2010 Waverley Borough Council planning committee voted to approve the application. Please see an article at getsurrey.co.uk, 5th February 2010.

In 2009 Tesco applied to build a 3,500 sq m store on the edge of Alton, approx 1.5 miles from the centre. Tesco unveiled their plans at a public exhibition in March 2009. The planning officer recommended refusal and in July 2009 Councillors turned down the application.

In October 2009 Tesco submitted a new plan which it said addressed Councillors' concerns. The changes related to access changes, pedestrian provision and bus links with the town centre, the proposed building remained the same, and the plans were again refused.  Increased traffic remained a concern, as was distance from the town centre.

Tesco has submitted a third application for a store on the Mill Lane land, which it owns. Its previous applications had been turned down by East Hampshire District Council because of concerns over traffic increase and also the effect of a large store on the town centre businesses. However, in this latest application, although the appearance remains largely unchanged, the store's size has been significantly scaled down. Internally, the operational retail space would be a third smaller, measuring 2,520 m2 instead of the 3,600 m2 of the original plans. However, the plans were again turned down by the planning committee, on the basis that they were contrary to planning policy,being sited so far from the town centre, and the committee's view was that Tesco would inevitably expand their operation to the size originally proposed. 

Meanwhile, Tesco appealed against the refusal of their second application. But in July 2010 the  Planning Inspector dismissed Tesco's appeal highlighting 3 key issues:
1. Whether the edge of town proposal would cause significant harm to the
vitality and viability of the town centre;
2. Whether it is likely to provide an adequate choice of transport, or
increase reliance on the use of the motor car; and
3. Whether the resulting use of the highway network would have detrimental
effect on highway safety and the free flow of traffic.

Read the full appeal decision here.

Tesco wants to build an Express store on land in The Parade. Residents, including Bourne End Residents' Association  and local school children, campaigned against these proposals in 2007 and 2008 - see coverage of the campaign from November 2007, February 2008, March 2008 and April 2008.

In January 2008, Wycombe District Council refused two applications by Tesco.

Tesco submitted revised plans which were turned down by Wycombe District Council in August 2008 because of fears the new store would lead to closure of other shops.

However, in March 2009, Tesco launched an appeal to the Planning Inspectorate to overturn the decision. Please see an article in the Maidenhead Advertiser, 11th March 2009 and an article at thisislocallondon.co.uk, 3rd March 2009.

In February 2010 the Bucks Free Press reported that Sainsbury's had won permission to open a late-night supermarket at the end of The Parade. The planning permission was granted in 2008 but with opening only to 7.00pm. This has now been extended until 10.00pm.

In June 2010 Tesco submitted a new planning application to demolish 86-88 in The Parade - the former police station - and convert into retail area. The plans also include two two-bedroom flats and two one-bedroom flats above it.

The Bishop's Waltham Action Group was set up to oppose Sainsbury's plans to develop a store of 35,000 sq ft in Bishop's Waltham. In January 2009, the Parish Council confirmed that Sainsbury's had bought land on the Abbey Mill site and was planning to build a new supermarket on the site. Please see an article in the Daily Echo, 28th January 2009.

In May 2009 around 500 people attended a public meeting to discuss the store. There was almost unanimous opposition to the building of a store. In July 2009 hundreds of residents attended Sainsbury's public consultation on the proposals. Please see an article in the Hampshire Chronicle, 2nd August 2009. A public consultation undertaken by Sainsbury's showed that 51% residents were opposed to the plans. However, Sainsbury's confirmed it is committed to pressing ahead with its plans. Please see an article in the Portsmouth News, 12th January 2010.

On May 12th 2010 Bishops Waltham surgery announced a plan to move to the new development with a contribution being made by Sainsbury’s to help build a new £1.6 million surgery. Please see http://www.portsmouth.co.uk/newshome/16m-doctors39-surgery-plan-for.6355084.jp.

A second public consultation took place on June 22nd to share the new plans with residents.

Sainsbury’s proposed store in Bishop’s Waltham dominated Radio Solent’s “Big conversation” morning phone-in show on Thursday May 27th 2010 after BWAG chairman, Tony Kippenberger’s early morning interview with presenter Chris Carnegy.The interview sparked a spate of text messages and telephone calls to the radio station both from those in favour of the project and many against, proving what strong feelings people have about supermarkets taking over villages.

On June 12th 2010 Bishops Waltham Action Group gained celebrity endorsement from Amanda Holden who grew up in the village. Whilst opening the village carnival she pledged her support to the group because she feels the superstore would harm independent traders. Please see http://www.mirror.co.uk/celebs/news/2010/06/20/britain-s-got-talent-judge-amanda-holden-fights-supermarket-opening-115875-22346102/.

In July 2010 a planning application was submitted to Winchester City Council. In response to this BWAG  encouraged people to write objecting to the plans, which resulted in over 1500 letters being sent to the planning department. In addition to this on the 30th of July 2010 BWAG handed in a 5000 signature petition the council http://www.thisishampshire.net/news/8304285.Protestors_say_no_to_Sainsbury_s/.
 
During the summer of 2010 BWAG also gained further vital support. Local MP George Hollingbury stated his objections to the proposals in an eight page letter to WCC http://www.portsmouth.co.uk/newshome/MP-adds-his-voice-to.6455413.jp. On the 12th of August 2010 Bishops Waltham Parish Council decided during a public meeting to formally object to the proposals. They now stand alongside the Bishops Waltham Society,the Bishops Waltham Chamber of Commerce, Upham Parish Council and Twyford Parish Council.
 
A decision is expected from Winchester City Council in October 2010. For further information please see the campaign website at http://www.bwactiongroup.org.uk/ .

Tesco originally applied to convert an empty tyre and exhaust depot into a three-storey building and a 23-space car park. The Council received 653 objections to the plans and Guildford Borough Council rejected the application in September 2008 because of a fear that a Tesco Express store would damage the business of local shops.

In May 2009 flyers were distributed announcing the company had changed the design to the proposed store and would apply again for planning permission. The new plan was for a one-storey building and a car park with 13 spaces for customers. For more information please see an article in Get Surrey, 2nd September 2009.

In November 2009, Tesco was quoted as saying there was no specific timeframe for submitting another application for a store. Please see an article in Get Surrey, 5th November 2010.

In July 2009, Sainsbury’s applied to build a 26,000 sqft food store in the empty West Oxfordshire Business Park, in Upavon Way.

In June 2010 West Oxfordshire district councillors followed advice from planning officers and voted to refuse the proposal as it was "against the local plan for the area, which is concentrated on developing Carterton town centre". They noted that there is new legislation that has come from the Government, that says all out-of-town development must be refused until the town centres are developed, as one would starve the other. The refusal allows time for proposals to develop the old market site in the town centre to be evolved.

Tesco submitted plans to build an Express store on the site of the Friar pub in Marston Road. However, more than 1,500 people signed two petitions against the store amid fears it will lead to a surge in traffic, undercut traders and threaten the only post office in the area at the Costcutters store in Old Marston Road.

City council officers recommended the plans be refused by Councillors - please see an article in the Oxford Mail, 21st April 2009 - and on the 21st April the Committee voted to refuse the application.

In May 2010 Tesco submitted a new application to demolish the Friar pub and build a new two-storey shop. Over 570 people have signed a petition against the plans. For more information please see thisisoxfordshire.co.uk, 21st May 2010.

In early May 2009 Tesco revealed plans for a 40,000 sqft store on the site of the old Ford garage on Reading Arch Road. For further information please see an article in Get Surrey, 11th May 2009, an article in thisissurreytoday.co.uk, 12th February 2009 and Property Week, 20th March 2009.

Waitrose is also interested in opening a store on the Cromwell Road Estate. The Surrey Mirror, 22nd April 2009, reported that five major supermarkets are in the race to open stores in Redhill.

In June 2009 Tesco submitted a planning application for a new superstore on the Brighton Road just south of the Reading Arch Bridge. It includes 26 flats and 331 parking spaces.  Sustainable Redhill is opposing the plans.

However, in October 2009 Tesco submitted a new planning application for the site. On 18th October, thisissurrey.co.uk reported that Tesco's plans have come under fire from Network Rail which has earmarked the proposed site for a new track.

In October 2009, campaigners fighting plans by Lidl to build a 42,000 sq m warehouse on the edge of the New Forest National Park were given a boost when government-appointed planning inspector Michael Hetherington approved the new Forest District Council’s Core Strategy, which does not include Lidl’s proposal. The decision has been given a cautious welcome by the Keep Ower Rural pressure group, which has spent months fighting the Lidl proposal.

Members of the group say Lidl could still decide to submit a planning application – and claim it might be approved on appeal. During a public inquiry into the document, Lidl objected to the council’s attempt to safeguard Wade Park Farm from development.

Keep Ower Rural staged two protests outside the inquiry. They claimed that a warehouse would result in 500 lorry movements a day and presented a petition signed by 2,000 objectors. For further information please see an article in the Romsey Advertiser, 2nd October 2009.

In July 2009 Tesco revealed plans for a 45,000 sq ft supermarket, space for smaller shops, 18 apartments and 396 car park spaces on Epsom's Upper High Street. Residents are concerned that the plans will lead to severe traffic congestion. Tesco displayed the plans at a three-day exhibution from 16-18th July. For more information please see an article in the Croydon Guardian, 16th July 2009. In early October Tesco submitted an application.

In February 2010 Tesco's planning application was withdrawn. The special meeting of the Planning Committee called for 11th February was cancelled. The reason is not known. However Planning Officers had earlier issued a committee report recommending that the application should be refused, quoting 11 reasons.

The campaign in Rye started when residents found out that East Sussex County Council was negotiating to sell land to Tesco at the Thomas Peacocke Community College, though the Local Plan designated the land for housing and a GP surgery, and though many residents felt a supermarket was not an appropriate use of the land.

Residents set up the Campaign of Residents Opposed to a Second Supermarket. In September 2005 the campaign held a public meeting at which 300 people attended and two local MPs spoke. Both MPs agreed that the opening of another supermarket in Rye would be detrimental to the town. In 2006 the Council confirmed that they are negotiating a legal agreement selling the land to a supermarket chain. Please see local press coverage of the campaign.

On 29th March 2010 Tesco was told that their bid for the site had been accepted but the tendering process has now been extended and the council will make a formal decision on how to proceed at a meeting on April 20th. This follows years of negotiations between Tesco and East Sussex County Council over the empty Lower School site in Rye. Please see an article in the Bexhill Observer, 8th April 2010.

In August 2009 Tesco confirmed plans to open an Express store on the site of the old Mulligan restaurant opposite the existing Gable End village stores. However, Tesco does not need permission for change of use under planning law.

A committee was set up to support Datchet's indigenous businesses, and the first stage in the fight to protect Datchet's future, was an open day on The Green on  September 12. Every small business in the village was invited to display their wares and advertise their services. For further information please see an article in the Maidenhead Advertiser, 28th August 2009.

On the 26th November 2009, the Maidenhead Advertiser reported that Councillors on the Windsor development control panel voted seven to six in favour of four of the planning applications (for a new shop front, plant equipment, three illuminated fascia signs and three non-illuminated panel adverts) put in by Tesco but did, however, throw out plans for the installation of an ATM machine, due to concerns over crime, anti-social behaviour and noise.

In June 2009 the Argus reported that Tesco and St James Investments had severed their ties throwing plans to buy up property and develop in the London Road area of Brighton into jeopardy. The plans included a 100,000 sq foot Tesco store and parking for up to 1000 vehicles. Their plan also involves new tall buildings and demolition. Campaigners fear the loss of local jobs, small businesses, specialist shops, and homes. However, several properties that are key to St James Investment/Tesco's proposals are owned by Brighton and Hove City Council.

ANOTHER LONDON ROAD is an action group organised by members of the local community. We believe that there is another way to revitalise London Road, with a vision that is shaped by the community, for the community, serving our needs rather than those of big business and distant share holders. A community planning event was held in July 2008, following which a response to the Council's Core Strategy consultation was submitted.

For further details and ways to get involved, please see Another London Road website and join our facebook group, Another London Road.

In 2006 the Tesco store in Lewes, East Sussex submitted plans to the district council to expand its retail area by up to 30% from 26,000 sq ft - 38,000 sq ft.

Tesco re-submitted plans for an expansion in 2009 and in July 2009 Lewes District Council's planning committee deferred the decision. Tesco plans have attracted criticism from local traders and Lewes Town Council. Lewes Town Council voted against the proposal after expressing concerns about the impact it could have on the town centre. Please see an article in the West Sussex County Times, 8th May 2009.

In February 2010, around 80 Climate Camp activists teamed up with local residents to invade the Tesco store in protest at plans to increase the size of the supermarket by 50%. Please see http://www.indymedia.org.uk/en/2010/02/446803.html.

Traders and residents campaigned against plans for a new Tesco superstore on Oxford Road, Reading. A petition with 500 signatures was presented to borough councillors -please see Save our Shops - Battle Against Tesco website.

In April 2010 plans for an 11th Tesco store in Reading were announced. Tesco is planning to open an Express store opposite the Broad Street Mall. Tesco is close to submitting a planning application for new signs for part of the unit at 28-36 Oxford Road, which already has planning permission for retail use. For further information please see an article in the Reading Chronicle, 1st April 2010.

At the end of May 2009 Tesco was finally given the green light to open an Express store in Meads Village. For almost two years Tesco had been battling to get planning permission for a roof top air conditioning unit from Eastbourne Borough Council. After the planning committee turned it down, Tesco appealed to a government inspector and at the end of May the inspector announced his decision to allow the development to go ahead, which in effect paves the way for Tesco to open the Express Store it has been working on for months.

The news has been met with disappointment by the Meads Community Association which had protested against the units and Tesco opening in the village which, it said, would sound the death knell for local traders. Its members are also angry that the appeal wasn't dealt with by way of a public inquiry but instead through a paper consultation. For further information please see an article in the Bexhill-on-Sea Observer, 29th May 2009.

In August 2008 Tesco announced plans to develop a Focus DIY store in Crowborough into a 20,000 sq ft Tesco store. Over 90 letters and a petition of 1,000 signatories opposing the development were received by the council. However, as Tesco doesn't need planning permission for change of use the Council cannot prevent the development. However, Tesco do need to apply for an alcohol licence and refrigeration unites and submitted applications. The store opened late 2008. For further information please see an article in thisiscourier.co.uk, 9th August 2008

Tesco wants to open an Express store on the site of the current Richmond Hyundai car showroom and service centre.

Despite opposition the planning officer has recommended Councillors approve the plans. Please see an article in the Bognor Regis Observer, 23rd February 2009. The Council has received 89 letters of objection to the plans.

On the 3rd March it was reported that Councillors had decided to defer the proposals and commission an independent traffic consultant to assess the volume of traffic likely to be generated by the development.

On the 15th July 2009 Councillors approved Tesco's planning application.

Tesco's plans to open an Express store in the small victorian village of Sunninghill were unanimously rejected by Windsor Development Control Panel on the 11th June 2008. More than 600 letters of objection had been received by the council regarding the scheme. Acording to an article in the Maidenhead Advertiser, 12th June 2008, the panel heard compelling evidence that if the store went ahead there would be serious and highly dangerous implications for road users and pedestrians. See the Sunninghill community website for further information.

In October 2008 the planning application was refused by the planning committee of the Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead. Tesco appealed the decision and a 4-day public inquiry started on the 10th February 2009. During the inquiry local residents opposed to the plans were out in force to show their opposition - please see coverage in getbracknell.co.uk, 12th February 2009.

On the 17th March 2009, the Planning Inspectorate rejected Tesco's appeal saying "the living conditions of homeowners living near the proposed School Road scheme would suffer if it went ahead and there were traffic issues to be considered".

Residents in Andover, Hampshire launched a campaign "STOP [Stop Tesco's Oversized Plan]" to oppose Tesco's plans to build its largest distribution centre in Europe on the outskirts of the town. In September 2008, campaigners celebrated when Test Valley Borough Council rejected the proposals by 13 votes to 11. Read more about the decision in the Bazingstoke Gazette, 2nd September 2008. And in early November 2008,  Goodman, the deveoloper of Andover Airfield, announced that it has terminated its contract with Tesco for the airfield site - please see the Southern Daily Echo, 5th November 2008 and an article on BBC news, 5th November 2008.  However, an article in the Guardian on the 3rd December reported that on the 1st December Councillors approved developers' plans for the site.

In September 2009, the Co-operative Group announced that it would be the new occupant of the regional distribution centre but at 500,000 sq ft it will be 42% smaller than the 863,000 sq ft "megashed" building given permission in December. Please see an article in the Andover Advertiser, 11th September 2009. At the end of November, the developer, Goodman, submitted a planning application which included 468,160 sq ft regional distribution centre for the Co-op.

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 had been 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.

In 2007 residents and retailers in Farnham formed a group, East Street Action, to campaign against Crest Nicholson Sainsbury (CNS) plans for East Street. The proposed development which includes blocks of  flats is within 5km of a Special Protection Area of heathland which is home to endangered species: the Dartford warbler, the nightjar and the woodlark. Caroline Lucas, the Green MEP for the South East, has recently registered her objection to the CNS plans for that reason. The town's small independent retailers are worried about the effect on their trade if the plans go through as the development will effectively create a separate commercial quarter with little relationship to the existing town. Traffic problems and parking are other concerns for the town's residents and visitors. Sainsbury's, as part of the development partnership, already own a small store within the development area and have another superstore on the East side of Farnham.

In October 2008 Waverley Councillors voted overwhelmingly to allow the Crest Nicholson development. However, as of May 2010 no start date for the development has been given.

There has been widespread opposition to large-scale development plans submitted by a developer and backed by the Council for Dartford town centre, for a 100,000 sq ft Tesco Extra hypermarket, other retail units, and a new access road through central park.

Tesco has had a store in Abingdon for over 12 years. In 2004 Tesco submitted a planning application to increase the size of the store by one third and create an additional 180 car-parking spaces. Local retailers have campaigned against the proposal fearing it would turn Abingdon town centre into a ghost town. At a Planning Committee of the Vale of White Horse District Council on Monday 21st May 2007, councillors unanimously turned down the proposal as it differed from the Local Plan, and due to concerns about additional traffic. Please see the local media coverage for further information.

On 7th August 2007 Tesco resubmitted new plans designed to address some of the issues and concerns raised by the Planning Committee and Abingdon Chamber of Commerce, which also opposed the extension plans. Please see coverage in the Oxford Mail from 8th August 2007. According to the Oxford Mail the plans were formally submitted in November 2007. As of the end of February 2008 revised plans have not yet gone to a planning meeting as a new retail report being produced by Grimleys has not yet been completed. It is also understood that the flooding implications are having to be re-considered and the developer is in discussion with the Environmental Agency. However, at the same time Tesco have appealed the refusal of the first application, which is believed to go to the Planning Inspectorate in March 2008.

Residents in Little Common, Bexhill have launched a campaign against an application for a new supermarket, which they believe to be a Tesco Express,  on the site of a closed down petrol station/car showroom. There have been over 500 letters of objection and Rother District Council turned down the first application but is currently considering a second, revised application having been deferred three times by the Planning Committee. Little Common Traders and residents, who fear for their thriving village high street, have set up a campaign group "The Little Common and Cooden Sea Community Group". 

At a Council meeting on June 25th 2007 the Council approved the application. For further information please see the local media coverage in the Bexhill Observer, 29th May 2007 and The Argus, 6th July 2007

A campaign "Big Enough Already"was launched to stop the local Tesco store in Wolverton, Milton Keynes, from expanding to a Tesco Extra. In May 2009 the application was turned down by Milton Keynes Development Control Committee. Tesco appealed and in January 2010 the Planning Inspector overruled their decision and granted Tesco planning permission. 

Tesco in Petersfield has put forward plans to 'enhance' it's present super store with an expansion of nearly 70%, allowing additional space for convenience goods and a larger selection of comparison products. Residents and retailers are concerned about the impact this will have on the local economy and vitality of this small market town.

Despite the opposition to the plans members of the district council’s south planning committee voted 8-2 in favour of planning permission on the 6th December 2007. Tesco plans to expand its Petersfield store by buying land from The Petersfield School (TPS). The school will then fund new sports facilities by doing a £1m deal with the supermarket chain. Please see articles in the Petersfield Post 05.12.07 and 11.12.07

For further information please visit http://www.mypetersfield.co.uk/petersfield%20green.htm#TESCO

A huge development, including new housing and the largest Tesco in the southeast, has been given the go-ahead in Worthing. Protesters, with significant support from the local community, set up a tree protest camp to protest the destruction of local woodland. 

The Inquiry into the setting up of a South Downs National Park was reopened in 2008 following the out-cry caused by the Inspectors recommendation to exclude numerous areas. The inquiry finished on the 29th May 2008.

In April 2009 Tesco submitted a new application for the reserved matters part of the application. Outline planning permission for the new 13,138 sq m store was granted in May 2008. This application relates to the layout, scale, appearance and access arrangements. The deadline for comments was the 14th May 2009. For further information please see the Worthing Borough Council website.

At the end of July 2009 Worthing Councillors granted Tesco full planning permission to build a Tesco Extra in Durrington, near Worthing. Please see an article in the Bognor Regis Observer, 4th August 2009.

In March 2010 Worthing Town Council threw out plans to build a huge new housing development in West Durrington - and so saved the ancient Titnore woodland. Please see http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/sussex/8570425.stm for more information.

Please visit the Protect our Woodland website.

Despite a strong campaign by local residents and traders and supported by Friends of the Earth, Havant Borough Councillor's voted in favour of Tesco's planning application on the 29th November 2007. This decision was made despite an independent report by DTZ Consultants claiming there was not enough customer demand to justify the new store. Please see BBC coverage of the decision.

Dorking SOS is a group of local residents opposing a new Sainsbury’s superstore just behind the High Street in Dorking. Technically, the development proposal is ‘edge of town’. We are determined to run a positive campaign so are thinking a lot about our alternative vision, and promoted this at a public meeting in July.

On 16th March 2007 Mole Valley District Council issued a statement to say that the developer's traffic consultant had been unable to satisfy Surrey County Council's highways experts that specific traffic problems associated with the planned supermarket could be overcome.Therefore Mole Valley and Thornfield will consider what alternative form of development might be more appropriate for the site.

In December 2009 Mole Valley District Council executives agreed to sell the council-owned Curtis Road depot site and surrounding areas - as part of a joint venture - to Blueland (MV) LLP, a retail developer which buys land to then sell on to supermarkets. Please see getsurrey.co.uk, 17th December 2009.

For more information, please visit the campaign website.

Tesco’s plans for a ninth store in Reading may be hit by a number of hurdles after a Reading Borough Council planning committee look likely to turn down proposals for signs and a cash machine outside the Crown Street building. Council planning officers have recommended refusal for an ATM outside Tesco, deeming it a health hazard. They also had concerns as the proposal does not provide any dedicated parking spaces.

At the end of September Tesco was given the green light to sell alcohol. Please see an article in Get Reading, 1st October 2008. But Council officers are split on whether to allow Tescoto put its advertising signs outside.

For further information please see an article in Get Reading, 3rd December 2008.

Tesco won their appeal in July 1998 to build a large supermarket over the railway line in the centre of Gerrards Cross.  On June 30th 2005, their tunnel collapsed narrowly missing two packed commuter trains and causing serious disruption to the rail network. Tesco have left what looks like a colossal abandoned quarry in the middle of our High Street since the collapse.

On the 10th October, 2008, the Buckinghamshire Journal reported that Tesco is preparing to rebuild the tunnel. However they were not given final approval by Network Rail until February 2009.  Tesco are predicting that the development will continue and their store will be completed by December 2010.  This will bring further months of misery - traffic disruption, filthy streets, noise, dust, and disturbing night working, to the residents, businesses, shopkeepers and commuters of Gerrards Cross. 

In December 2008 Tesco submitted planning applications to convert the former Red Squirrel pub into a Tesco Express. The five applications included converting the front of the shop, installing air conditioning units, increasing parking and putting up signs. However, the pub does not need permission for change of use.

More than 700 residents signed a petition against the plans citing traffic and parking concerns and the impact on local trade in Burnham Lane. However, on the 18th February 2009, Slough Borough Councillors approved the applications. For further information please see an article in the Maidenhead Advertiser, 19th February 2009 and the Slough and Langley Observer, 2nd March 2009.

Campaigners in Holmbush carried out a trade impact survey which generated over 100 rateable value appeals from local businesses. This resulted in a 20% rate reduction for those businesses that appealed.

Campaigners in Holmbush, Sussex are fighting yet another battle, about which all retailers should be aware,  which is the Development Plan and Core Strategy documents that are replacing "Local Plans," in line with new government legislation. All businesses should be aware that government is putting strong emphasis on regeneration of town centres - this is where our battle lies.

St James's Investments are submitting an application for a major development project in Uckfield which will include expanding the existing Tesco store, new housing and other retail space.

The company held an "exhibition of ideas" on September 19th and 20th, 2008 at the town's civic centre where it presented proposals for the Tesco store and other ideas for the town's public space and buildings. For more information please see thisissussex.co.uk, 21st August 2008. St James's Investments has also sent out a questionnaire to residents - please see an article in the Sussex Express, 21st November 2008.

Local people in Witney were angry when Tesco took over two local 'One Stop' convenience stores, and then said it would close the post offices which had been operating in the shops in Cogges and Fettiplace Road (Smith's Estate). The campaign called a public meeting so that local people could voice their views, and peoples argued the post office closures would leave 10,000 people in Witney without a local post office. Many pensioners depend on the post office to withdraw money, and pay utility bills and council tax. It is too far to walk to the main post office for many elderly and disabled people. Local campaigners, including pensioners and wheelchair users, took their campaign to Tesco's HQ in Hertfordshire and to Tesco's AGM, where they put searching questions to Tesco's CEO.

The fight continued with more demonstrations, but eventually Tesco closed the stores in 2004, with a promise from them and the Council that at least one of the Post Offices would reopen elsewhere, but that promise has been dropped.