DESPITE a long-running campaign from protesters, city councillors are being asked to approve plans to turn a former South Oxford pub into a Tesco Express store.

Campaigners battled for more than a year to stop the supermarket chain from demolishing the derelict Fox and Hounds pub in Abingdon Road to build the new facility.

And they celebrated when a public inquiry ruled in their favour in July.

But now Tesco has submitted a fresh application for a three-storey development and some residents say they want the scheme to go ahead.

The latest application features an entrance on Abingdon Road instead of on Weirs Lane and four flats on the two upper floors.

City council planning officers are recommending it is approved.

A report to next Thursday’s west area planning committee says: “The revised plans satisfactorily address the concerns raised by the inspector in dismissing the previous appeal and the proposal would not detract from the amenities enjoyed by neighbouring occupiers.”

Tesco has said that, if it is refused permission, it will renovate and convert the existing pub building, for which it would not need permission.

Dharmaraj Prasad, who runs the Londis store on the corner of Newton Road and Abingdon Road in Grandpont, said: “I think Tesco will have a detrimental effect on small businesses like mine.

“It’s disappointing this plan is recommended for approval.

“But I understand the wishes of people in the community who say they do want Tesco to come because they are fed up of the Fox and Hounds store being derelict.”

The committee report says there have been two letters of support, pointing out that the Tesco store would offer a greater choice of shops, would help the elderly who cannot get to out-of-town supermarkets, and create jobs.

There have been four letters of objection, which say the development would increase traffic at a busy junction, and threaten other convenience stores.

William Rankin, 62, who lives in Chatham Road, off Abingdon Road, collected a petition of 300 signatures from residents who want the store built. He said: “It’s better to have Tesco than having the building lying empty and we do need more facilities in the area.”

Tesco spokesman Simon Petar said: “We are very pleased that officers have recommended approval for an Express store at the old Fox and Hounds.

“The scheme has attracted significant local support.”

The planning committee meeting is at the town hall at 6pm.