Thame tells Tesco to ‘bog off’

SUPERMARKET giant, Tesco, has failed in its third attempt to build a large supermarket on the outskirts of the Thame (1998 and 2002).

South Oxfordshire District Councillors, sitting on the authority’s Planning Committee, accepted the recommendation of its Planning Officer to refuse the application on the grounds that ‘although the development might reduce car journeys out of Thame and would offer more choice to shoppers, on balance, it would divert linked shopping and have a significantly adverse effect on Thame town centre’.

Speaking after the meeting, Duncan Nickless of the Thame Centre First group which lead opposition to the Tesco store, said: “We obviously welcome the decision made by the district planning committee to unanimously reject this application for an edge of town supermarket.  We are pleased the Committee recognised the importance of our Town Centre.  Their decision will ensure our High Street continues to thrive and be at the heart of our community.  We hope now that Tesco respect the committee’s decision and the strong view of local people who want our High Street to remain vital and vibrant.”

The committee’s decision was unanimous. More details tomorrow. LINK HERE for previous posts on this subject