A PLAN to make the Tesco supermarket in Ocotal Way one of the biggest in the South West was thrown out by councillors at last night's planning meeting.

The decision came by the narrowest of margins. At the first count councillors were split six to six, with Coun. Gunter Gussefeld (Con, Dorcan) abstaining.

But Coun Gussefeld agreed to recast his vote and permission for the expansion on the land which used to be occupied by the Allied Dunbar Sports and Social Club was refused.

Residents living near the superstore and traders in Gorse Hill have campaigned against the development fearing excess traffic and falling business.

Richard Rollins, 36, who works for Zurich Financial Services lives near the superstore and doubted that last night's decision will stop the expansion.

He said: "I don't believe this is going to go away, we have just reached stalemate.

"Tesco will try to bulldoze the plan through even though there is no need for it, they plan to sell white goods but there are several places selling that just up the road at the Greenbridge Retail Park.

"Tesco missed out on the opportunity to build a store in the Northern sector, that went to Asda Wal-Mart, and now they are just trying to make up the difference, they don't need the business."

In 2001 Tesco bought the neighbouring Allied Dunbar Sports and Social Club and demolished it to make way for the extension. This scheme would also mean the loss of tennis courts and a bowling green.

Tesco hoped to extend the existing shopping area into the service yard and unloadings bays, building a new unloading and service area to the south east of the store.

A road would have been built connecting the supermarket directly with Ocotal Way.

Planning committee chair Coun Maurice Fanning (Lab, Gorse Hill and Pinehurst) criticised Tesco for offering to pay for environmental improvements in Gorse Hill.

He said: "I will vote against this and it leaves a nasty taste for me that a company as honourable and reputable as Tesco is offering money to ensure an application will be looked at more favourably.

"I think this application will be to the detriment of the people of Gorse Hill."

A report by the Swindon Council planning department estimated it would result in Gorse Hill shops losing business worth £30,000 a year.

Councillor Anne Baxter (Lib Dem, Eastcott) voiced her concern at the amount of traffic using Ocotal Way in years to come.

St Joseph's School is planning to build an extension that will double its size following the closure of its Upper School site in Stratton St Margaret.

But the council's head of transport services, Ioan Rees, explained that the school would experience most traffic in the morning and early afternoon, traditionally quiet times for a supermarket.

An application from Tesco came before councillors in October last year and was recommended for refusal by planning officers. The plan was deferred to give Tesco time to provide additional information, and council officers recommended last night's plan for approval.

Justin Mills, who spoke on behalf of Tesco's agent Panton Sargent Ltd, offered no comment after the decision, although the supermarket giant is expected to appeal against it.