Cambridge City Council has dismissed two appeals by Tesco to open a store on Mill Road.

Tesco had applied to convert an empty motorist’s discount store into a Tesco Express, including a single story extension, ATM, shop frontage and refrigeration equipment.

Proposals were rejected on the grounds of highway safety along Mill Road, as well as parking provision on the adjoining streets.

Local residents will see this as validation of their attempts to prevent the opening of a new Tesco. The Facebook group ‘Say no to Tesco’s [sic.] on Mill Road’ has over 500 members.

“We are delighted that the planning inspector realised just how dangerous it would be to deliver to the site,” said Sonia Cooter, of the No Mill Road Tesco group. She added, “we are very happy”.

Martin Lucas-Smith of the Cambridge cycling campaign said, “we hope now that Tesco will stop wasting taxpayers money and everyone’s time, and withdraw their second appeal.”

“We objected to the plans, and the Government inspector has accepted the evidence we put forward at the public inquiry that cyclists and indeed everyone else using Mill Road would be badly affected by Tesco’s delivery proposals,” he continued.

A statement released by Tesco read: “We are obviously extremely disappointed by this decision. We will be considering the report and looking at our options.”

“However, we still remain committed to Mill Road and think that a Tesco Express will add to the vibrancy of the area. We now await the Inquiry date for air conditioning and refrigeration plant.”

The decision comes as the result of a four day hearing at the beginning of October. Evidence was given by both local residents and Cambridge safety groups.

The planning inspector David Nicholson concluded: “I find that both of the realistically available servicing options would pose unacceptable risks to highway safety, which would not be outweighed by benefits or the fallback position. I therefore conclude that both appeals should be dismissed.”

Martin McQuade