A PLANNING inspector has approved plans to build a Tesco store in Marston, Oxford.

The supermarket firm will turn the old Friar pub, in Old Marston Road, into a new Tesco Express store.

Plans were turned down twice by Oxford City Council, but went to the Planning Inspectorate after Tesco appealed.

Last night it emerged Andrew Pykett, inspector appointed by the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government, had given it the go-ahead.

Mary Clarkson, Oxford City Councillor, said she was “very disappointed”.

She added: “It is a real blow for Marston, as the majority of people really do not want a Tesco.”

Marston resident Mick Haines, who led the anti-Tesco campaign and collected more than 4,400 names on a protest against the store, added: “It’s disgusting.

“I am really concerned about the local shops.”

Mr Pykett said: “Although I do not dispute the new shop would have an impact on its surroundings...I believe the overall effect would be limited.”