Supermarket giant Sainsbury's plans to go to the High Court in a bid to expand its store in Kidlington.

In December, Deputy Prime Minister John Prescott turned down plans by the firm to expand its store by 1,353 square metres

The expanded store, which would be more than 40 per cent larger, was approved by Cherwell District Council in July 2002, but Mr Prescott called a public inquiry following concern about the impact it would have on other Kidlington shops and traffic congestion.

Planning inspector Peter Watson recommended the scheme should be approved, but Mr Prescott over-ruled his decision, saying Sainsbury's had not demonstrated a need for the larger store.

A Sainsbury's spokesman confirmed that the store had lodged an appeal. She said: "The inspector recommended approval, it was then called in by the Secretary of State who agreed on every point except the quantitative need for the extension within the store's catchment area, which is the point we are appealing on. The spokesman said the legal challenge would probably take up to six months, but added: "We are obviously hoping for a positive outcome and a quick decision."

Kidlington Parish Council and traders opposed the plans fearing an enlarged supermarket would drain the life out of other businesses in the village centre and increase traffic in an already congested area.

Parish council chairman Alan Graham said: "We would have preferred it if Sainsbury's had accepted the decision of the Secretary of State.

"But I think we had anticipated it was highly likely that they would mount a High Court challenge against the decision."

District and parish councillor Chris Pack said there had been considerable concern in the village about the planned extension.

"People were very worried about a number of issues, not least the impact it would have on the shops in the High Street, and from people living near Sainsbury's about the traffic problems," he said.