Plans to turn a defunct pub into a Tesco Express look set to go-ahead after planning permission was granted for the construction of a canopy.

Councillors approved plans last week to build a canopy over a service yard as part of the planned conversion of the Kingfisher pub in Ruxley Lane, Ewell.

The decision was made during a meeting of Epsom's planning committee on October 10 when councillors also approved revamped plans for a budget chain Aldi store in Kingston Road, Ewell.

Tesco does not require planning permission to convert the former pub at the junction with Gatley Avenue into a retail food store.

Resident Rachel Askin, a new mum who has twins, welcomed the plans for a Tesco Express because currently she has to walk a mile to shop at the Sainsbury’s in Chessington.

She said: "I’m literally ecstatic about the Tesco as my life will be so much easier." She said her pram does not fit down the aisles of the nearby Co-op or through the doors of the Londis, adding: "So long as the Tesco has a large doorway and big enough aisles I’m sure I'll be in there every day."

But not everyone has welcomed the supermarket chain moving into Ewell with some residents raising concerns about congestion, parking issues and rubbish.

In July Jacqueline Healy, of Gatley Avenue, contacted the Epsom Guardian to question the need for another store.

She said: "How many shops do we need? These Tesco convenience stores are not cheap. Tesco will move in and put someone else out of business then there’s another empty shop at the top of the road."

The Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA) has been lobbying to get the Government to close planning law loopholes that allow supermarket chains to convert pubs without the need for planning permission.

CAMRA research shows that more than 200 pubs across Britain were converted into supermarket convenience stores between January 2010 and November 2012.

 

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