PLANNING inspectors have thrown out an appeal by Tesco to be allowed to open a store in Harefield, but traders are refusing to believe the fight is over.
The Government's Planning Inspectorate published a report last Thursday dismissing the supermarket giant's request for a new venue at the former King's Arms Garage site, in Rickmansworth Road.
Hillingdon Council's own planning committee had already rejected the latest application for the site on the grounds of access and traffic congestion and these were backed up in the report.
While the news has delighted those villagers who were among more than 2,000 people who signed a petition against the plan, shopkeepers are vowing not to let complacency set in.
Their reasoning stems from the fact Tesco actually owns the site in question and they fear it will not simply take no for an answer.
Lead campaigner Atul Sodha, of Londis Peverills, Moorhall Road, hailed the decision and said: "The community is what keeps us fighting. We didn't win simply because we had support, but because we had terrific support.
"Those traders, including myself, who stood to lose so much if this new store opens can never say a big enough thank you to everyone.
"Every single person who signed that petition deserves a pat on the back.
"We had over 2,000 people sign the petition, any political party would be proud of that."
Among the events surrounding the planning process was an unprecedented team up between Londis and the Spar shop in High Street.
Mr Sodha was especially delighted with the partnership and said: "The thing to remember now is this is a cut and paste job, we need to maintain this community support and have it ready for the day Tesco comes calling again.
"I fear that will not be far off and I dearly hope we can rely on the people to come to our aid again until Tesco gets the message."
Harefield Councillor Richard Barnes said of the decision: "I'm overjoyed. It is superb that village people have been listened to. The shop would have been twice the size of any other unit in the village and that would have destroyed it."
Pauline Crawley, chairwoman of the Harefield and Tenants' and Residents' Association, said: "It's fantastic news, and it shows we were right in our response to oppose it. "I am sure they will come back again, they don't normally give up.
"I do not know how they can get around the problem of traffic issues as it is so major there."
Tesco declined to comment.
