SUPERMARKET giant Tesco has launched an appeal after being refused permission to demolish a fire-damaged Oxford pub.

A plan for a Tesco Express store and four flats at the Fox and Hounds, in Abingdon Road, was rejected by Oxford City Council on December 8.

But the firm has appealed to the independent Planning Inspectorate, which will now make the final decision.

Some residents are opposing the three-storey plan over traffic concerns and fears it will lead to the closure of a nearby shop and Post Office.

Tesco is also appealing a similar plan for the Friar pub in Marston.

Tesco first applied for a two-storey store with no flats but this was refused last year. Tesco did not appeal.

Bob Price, the ward councillor for North Hinksey, said: “Clearly there is a lot of concern about the proposal and a lot of opposition to it.

“The majority think the Tesco is not needed and there is also a lot of concern about the proposed 16 car spaces.That area is already one of the most polluted parts of Oxford.”

Sub-postmaster Mohammad Afzal said: “I have been here for 26 years and have spent a long time building up the store and Post Office for local people.

“The traffic would make it very hard for people around the store to live and there are already other Tesco stores around here.

“It means they would have a monopoly on business and kill all the shops in the middle.”

Pete Boswell, 64, who lives in nearby Canning Crescent, said: “I’ve seen the plans and I have to say Tesco have improved them. But I’m still against the plans.”

Tesco has told the inspectorate that the pub has been empty for too long and “the character and the appearance of the site would be enhanced”.

A Tesco spokesman said: “We believe that our proposal will offer a number of community benefits including the regeneration of a run-down pub, improving choice for shoppers and creating more than 20 jobs that will be prioritised for local people. ”

In the past two years, Tesco has launched hundreds of planning applications for derelict pubs and closed businesses around the UK.

Two stores were opened in Oxford city centre in August this year, at the old Borders bookshop in Magdalen Street and in St Aldate’s at the former Solus Lighting shop.

TIMELINE

  • 2007: Fox and Hounds pub shuts
  • August 2008: Tesco buys the site
  • July 2009: Fox and Hounds damaged by fire
  • June 2010: Tesco puts in planning application for store and 16 parking spaces
  • August 2010: City council turns down the application
  • October 2010: Tesco applies for a three-storey store and four flats and 16 parking spaces
  • December 8, 2010: Council turns it down
  • December 23, 2010: Appeal launched over second application.