A supermarket chain was granted permission to expand one of its stores - but only after it threatened to take the matter to the High Court.

Tesco lodged an application for a judicial review after Cherwell District Council refused to allow its Pingle Drive store, in Bicester, permission to expand last year. The move came after permission was given for a rival store on the corner of Skimmingdish Lane and Buckingham Road.

Douglas SpencerBut councillors reversed their decision at a development committee meeting and gave Tesco the go-ahead for its expansion scheme.

Cllr Douglas Spencer (Con) said: "These are imaginative proposals which will meet the needs of the residents of Bicester."

Cllr Lawrie Stratford (Con), vice-chairman of the development committee, said he did not agree with the argument that the store expansion will lead to an increase in traffic.

A Tesco spokesman said: "In the light of the outcome of the development meeting, solicitors for Tesco are reviewing the position. Tesco is pleased with the council's decision."

*Councillors were told that the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions has "called in" the Kimberley proposals and a public inquiry will be heard in June.