Battle steps up to block Tesco store

The firm wants to open a convenience store at Commonside on land previously occupied by a petrol station.

But locals believe the plan could spell danger for pedestrians using the pathway around the proposed site, which includes children and infants on the school and nursery run.

And The Federation of Small Businesses has lodged a formal objection to Tesco's planning application on the grounds small business could be put at risk.

It said British retailing was seeing "a stealthy takeover by a relatively small number of multi-national organisations, of which Tesco is the foremost". Local businesses, including organic food shop Beanies on Crookes Valley Road, are also opposed.

A spokesman for the Federation of Small Businesses said: "Sheffield cannot afford to lose the variety and diversity which is represented in the enterprising small-business community of Walkley.

"Also, the Competition Commission is looking into supermarkets' alleged abuses of the planning system, accumulation of land banks, below-cost selling and the unfair treatment of suppliers, which are all damaging the fortunes of independent retailers and must be addressed."

Liberal Democrat councillors in Sheffield are also opposing the application.

Lib Dem leader Coun Paul Scriven said: "The proposed store is to be located at a very difficult junction and the additional traffic generated will undoubtedly increase parking in the immediate area. Residents do not need to have even more difficulty parking.

"One of the main Lib Dem policies is to support local small and medium-sized businesses."

No-one from Tesco was available to comment.

The plan is due to be discussed by Sheffield councillors in the next few weeks.