TESCO was staring rejection in the face last night (Tuesday) as its plans for a Harefield store look likely to be turned down by Hillingdon Council planners, on the advice of officers, to the delight of vocal village opposition.
At last night's meeting at the Civic Centre in Uxbridge High Street, councillors discussed the findings of a report into the latest Tesco plan, which has brought a flurry of petitions to the local authority.
The report, by council officers, shows they are still not satisfied that adequate safety improvements have been made.
"The proposal would result in driver confusion and unexpected vehicle movements," it states.
"The proposal would therefore be detrimental to
highway and pedestrian safety."
It also says the store, which would require four fresh food deliveries per day, would hamper ambulances going to Harefield Hospital, in nearby Hill End Road.
The council studied the stores in Ickenham and Ruislip, where they have had enforcement problems with Tesco delivery lorries.
Several have been issued with tickets by parking wardens for outstaying their allowed time.
The report adds: "Working practices at other Tesco stores suggest that delivery arrangements often ignore highway restrictions and safety."
A petition of 565 signatures spearheaded the fight against the store, with many signatories objecting to the safety and traffic matters, and others - many of them small traders - keen to protect their livelihoods.
A petition from the Harefield Retailers' and
Residents' Group, stated: "Any application that brings more lorries and vehicles through the village will cause problems, no matter how well planned."
This is the third time Tesco has tried to get its way regarding the vacant site next to the former King's Arms pub, in Rickmansworth Road.
The previous two were thrown out on the grounds of the traffic congestion that would be caused and last night it was looking like this latest application would be going the same way.
Tesco believes its L-shaped building with flats above the store would 'regenerate' the village, 'bringing environ-mental enhancement, providing residential units and stimulating investment in the local centre'. * Check our dedicated Harefield website today (Wednesday) for the outcome of yesterday's meeting. at haref ield.uxbridgegazette @trinitysouth.co.uk.
