SUPERMARKET giant Tesco has won an appeal to build a new store in a Wyre Forest village despite strong protests from residents.

The retailer can now press ahead with its plans to extend the site of the Squirrel Inn pub in Areley Kings, near Stourport, and create an Express store in its place, following the decision by the Planning Inspectorate.

Campaign group Areley Kings First launched its fight against Tesco’s original planning application to Wyre Forest District Council, raising concerns about the effect the store would have on traffic, pollution and the quality of life for residents.

And their protests initially succeeded when the authority rejected the application in May last year, despite recommendations from planning officers to grant permission.

But Tesco appealed the decision and, following a public hearing in which representatives from both sides gave evidence last month (December), Inspector Jennifer Vyse found in favour of the firm.

In her judgement, Mrs Vyse accepted that there would be a “significant increase” in traffic but was satisfied with Tesco’s proposed conditions to control delivery times and vehicles, implement a ‘one way in and one way out’ access and provide on-site parking and loading bays.

She also added that the local highways authority raised no concerns about highways and pedestrian safety.

Mrs Vyse also considered other concerns raised by objectors to the store including an increase in noise and disturbance but concluded that the overall benefits of the scheme outweighed any adverse impact suffered.

She did acknowledge the strong local feeling against this proposal and noted that residents would be disappointed with the decision.

Stanley Gibson, Chairman of Areley Kings First, said: “Naturally we are very disappointed with this decision but it was a fair hearing and the inspector listened to all our concerns so there are no complaints with that.

“All the concerns we have raised with this application still remain but we will have a committee meeting to discuss what we are going to do next.”

The new Tesco Express store will see around 20 new jobs created.

A spokesman said: “We’re pleased to have planning permission for a new Express store at the Squirrel Inn and we’re grateful for the support people have given our plans.

“We also understand that there will be some who will be disappointed with the decision by the Planning Inspectorate. We will work with the local community to address all of the concerns that were raised during the Appeal.

“We’re not yet in a position to confirm an opening date but we’ll keep the local community updated.”