Tesco looks set to re-ignite it's bid for a store in Harefield and lodge a planning application before Christmas.

For over a year, the superstore has been locked in a battle with local traders, and community petitioners over it's efforts to build a site in the village. The location would be the former petrol garage next to the Kings Arms pub beside the village crossroads.

Last week, an application was lodged with Hillingdon Council for the works to be undertaken to a tree at the site, and the applicant was listed as Tesco.

The reason for the works is states on the application that: 'This is to allow vehicular movement on site without conflict with the tree in question.'
The superstore have also carried out a survey of all the trees in the surrounding area.

The tree, which overlooks Hill End Road, has a Tree Preservation Order attached to it, which means it cannot be cut down, but the superstore are looking to trim back its canopy to allow it to get its delivery lorries through.

One of the main reasons for refusal at the public enquiry was the traffic impact it would have on the village, which is often gridlocked at morning and evening rush hour already.

At Thursday's monthly Harefield Tenants and Residents meeting, attendees were also notified that Tesco was likely making a comeback.

Pauline Crawley, chair, said: "Earlier in the week I attended a Hillingdon Planning Forum, and we were informed that Tesco would be coming back with a fresh application, they seem to think they can get around the reasons for which the store was refused before."

When the application is lodged, everybody who wrote letters of objection to the previous application, should receive notification.

Those attending Thursday's Tenants and Residents Meeting remarked they were not surprised that Tesco would be re-submitting the application at this time of year.

As Christmas is such a busy period and people take breaks from the routine, it is often cynically used as a time for companies to lodge planning applications. While some in the village are in favour of a Tesco, a vocal majority seem to be opposed to the plans, with over 1,000 people signing a petition against it.

Last month, after years of fighting, Tesco finally won a battle to build an Express store and seven flats in nearby Croxley Green.