Tesco will make its case for the burnt-out Fox and Hounds pub on Abingdon Road to be converted into a Metro store at a public inquiry tomorrow.

The supermarket chain is appealing after Oxford City Council planning officers’ turned down a planning application, arguing the proposed car park was too big and the development would create an out-of-place building on one of the main routes into the city.

Nearby shops have warned the development would destroy their businesses.

Tesco said there was a demand for a supermarket, and the redevelopment would improve the area and create 25 jobs.

The inquiry starts at 11am tomorrow at Oxford Town Hall in St Aldate’s.