A London council has refused permission for the development of a Tesco convenience store on the grounds that it would have an adverse effect on its local shopping centres.
Barnet Council blocked the application for a Tesco Express store in Finchley just before Christmas, saying it would have a significantly harmful impact of the vitality and viability of nearby town centres Church End and North Finchley.
One councillor said approving the store would have given way to other retailers looking to set up in the area and encouraged the spread of ‘clone towns’ which Barnet did not want to be part of.
The objection is valid under government policy guidelines that aim to help local councils protect their town centres and encourage development from within.
The council cited Tesco had not shown a need for retail development at the proposed site or investigated any alternative sites properly.
Tesco has not announced whether it plans to appeal the decision.
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