TESCO’S plans for an Express store on the site of a former Oxford pub should be thrown out, councillors will tell a public inquiry next week.

Oxford City Council members will argue higher traffic and the impact on on neighbours should stop the supermarket giant’s plan for the old Friar pub in Old Marston Road, Marston.

The authority’s north east area committee last September threw out a plan to knock down the pub for a Tesco Express.

The firm appealed and the final decision will now be taken by the Planning Inspectorate following Tuesday and Wednesday’s public hearing at the Town Hall in St Aldate’s.

It was the second time Tesco had an application turned down.

In April 2009, councillors rejected proposals on the grounds of traffic and impact on neighbours.

It threw out a second application over the loss of the pub, damage to trees, pressure on roads and parking and loss of amenity to houses on either side.

City councillor Roy Darke said: “It will detract from the area, cause potential accidents and damage to local houses.”

He expects a large turnout from concerned residents at the inquiry.

He said: “There has been a lot of local interest in these proposals.”

The manager and sub-postmaster at the nearby Costcutter store in Old Marston Road, Sivanesarajah Pakeerathan will also speak against the plan at the hearing.

He said: “One of the things I am most concerned about is that there is no need for Tesco here.

“And then there is the traffic and congestion it will cause and also the loss of local businesses.”

Marston resident Mick Haines has collected 2,000 signatures against the plan and will present the petition on Tuesday.

He said: “I’ve had a brilliant response. I think only about one in every 50 people I’ve spoken to are in favour of Tesco.

“I’ve been really surprised by the overwhelming response.”

Tesco declined to comment ahead of the inquiry.

Anyone wanting to address the hearing should contact the Planning Inspectorate at the Town Hall before 10am on Tuesday.

*Tesco is also appealing after the council refused permission for a store on the site of the Fox and Hounds pub in Abingdon Road in Oxford.

rpope@oxfordmail.co.uk