CAMPAIGNERS have vowed to fight on if plans for a Sainsbury's Superstore in Chipping Norton resurface.

The rejection of a controversial Sainsbury’s was heralded as “a triumph for common sense” by the campaigners who opposed it.

West Oxfordshire District Council rejected the application, to build a superstore in the former Parker Knoll factory site in London Road, last week.

But Sainsbury’s said it was considering its options. It may appeal against the decision.

Scoots (Stop Chippy’s Out Of Town Supermarket) spokesman Steve Piltz said: “Obviously we are very pleased. We think this is a triumph for common sense.

“Chipping Norton is far too small to take on board an out-of-centre superstore. It would have had a fairly dramatic impact on the town centre.

“Sainsbury’s already has a store in the town centre and we would want to encourage them to improve that.”

Mr Piltz said he would “muster the troops” to fight Sainsbury’s if the company decided to appeal the decision.

Chipping Norton mayor Chris Butterworth said: “The town council was pleased that West Oxfordshire District Council refused it.”

Members of the uplands area planning sub-committee were worried the plan could cause the town centre to “die”.

The application received letters of objection from 675 residents, Chipping Norton Town Council, Oxfordshire County Council Highways and Holy Trinity Catholic Primary School.

Concerns raised included the 5,145 sq m store’s impact on traffic levels, pollution and the viability of the town centre.

Councillor Derek Cotterill, vice chairman of uplands area planning subcommittee, said: “The centre of the town would suffer tremendously if Sainsbury’s were to go ahead.

“Sainsbury’s would be in direct competition with town centre shops and would be likely to take a lot of their business.

“You would find the centre of Chipping Norton die.” He said councillors were also concerned about the level of employment on the site is Sainsbury’s took over.

He said: “Whereas Sainsbury’s offerx a few full time equivalent positions, most of them would be part time so it would not help the employment of Chipping Norton tremendously.

“One or two other companies are looking at the site for full time employment purposes.”

Sainsbury’s spokesman Jodie Wales said: “We are obviously disappointed with the decision as we are aware that there is public support for our proposals. We will now consider our options going forward.”