May 14, 2001 12:39: TESCO have been accused of a sleight of hand in attempting to build a new store in Bushey High Road.

The claim was made by Hertsmere Borough Councillor Martin Saunders, who denounced the retail giant for abusing its power.

Speaking as the chairman of Bushey and Aldenham planning committee meeting last week, Councillor Saunders rejected the idea of the supermarket being a simple garage convenience store.

The committee agreed and voted unanimously to defer the decision on whether the store can be sited in the high road until more information on precisely how the shop will function is received.

The plan was to replace the shop at the Esso garage with a Tesco Express. The petrol pumps and forecourt would be retained and the shop area increased by more than 50 per cent.

As part of a nationwide tie-up between the petrol retailer and the supermarket chain, Esso would retain control of the garage, while Tesco managed the shop.

Because there is already a shop on the site, Esso, owned by oil giant Exxon, argued it was simply a matter of rebranding.

Despite the increased shop size, from 120 square metres to 185, the buildings on the site would not take up much more room than at present, as the existing car wash would be demolished.

However, the planning committee disagreed.

Councillors argued the inclusion of 16 extra parking spaces for shop users was proof the shop was fundamentally different from a petrol station convenience store.

Councillor Saunders said: "They are using possibly the most powerful brand name in the whole country now but are pretending it is only a 65 square foot change."

Councillor Mrs Miki Colne said: "It's a whole different ball game. It is actually to be run on its own."

Some businesses in the high road parade said they knew nothing of the plans, and there were mixed feelings about whether it would be good or bad for trade.

One shop manager said there would be a terrible impact on his business, as Tesco would stock similar goods to local stores.

The store will sell groceries and tinned, chilled and fresh food. It may apply for a licence to sell alcohol.

There are two public houses across the road from the station, and Councillor Michael O'Brien was worried people would leave these establishments and buy more drink.

According to the report provided by the council's planning officers, similar Esso/Tesco sites have not had any negative impact on nearby shopping centres.

Fears were expressed about the level of traffic it would attract to an already busy residential area, and the implications of late night noise.

The shop will have the same opening hours, between 6am and midnight, seven days a week. A cash machine operating the same hours will be installed.

Of the 17 neighbouring households informed of the plans, only two expressed concern. One household stated the new shop would benefit the area.