TESCO and the landlord of Boots are the final objectors to £70m plans to regenerate Bicester town centre, an inquiry has been told.

The supermarket giant objected to a compulsory purchase order over concerns about access to its Sheep Street store, yet did not raise issues when the plans were submitted, it was said.

Sainsbury’s and Cherwell District Council want to jointly build a supermarket, shops and cafes, decked car parking, a cinema and new bus interchange on Bure Place and Crown Walk car parks.

Yesterday, a five day public inquiry began at the council’s headquarters in Bodicote, after all parties involved failed to reach a compromise. But behind the scenes eleventh hour talks were still going on with Tesco.

HPUT, Boots’ landlord, has submitted a letter of objection to planning inspector David Nicholson, but will not appear at the inquiry.

Its initial objection was on the grounds it had not been contacted over the proposals.

A third objector, The Fitness People, was expected to sign an agreement yesterday after a payment offer and agreement it could stay at St John’s Street for a limited time.

Tesco is due to state its case tomorrow.