CONTROVERSIAL plans to build a supermarket on the site of a former Goring pub have hit a stumbling block.

Tesco is hoping to convert the Queen’s Arms, in Reading Road, into an Express Store but has been told by South Oxfordshire District Council’s planning officers it must apply for a change of use.

The supermarket giant had planned to increase the area of the premises by 40 per cent, to fit in cold stores and other storage areas, and must now withdraw their current applications and detail these changes in future plans.

This comes after four minor works applications, for the exterior of the store, signage, car parking and a cold store room were recommended for refusal by Goring Parish Council in June.

A council statement read: “Officers have advised the agents acting on behalf of Tesco to consider withdrawing their four current applications.

“They have been advised to make a composite planning application for the use of the building as a shop, and the extensions and alterations they propose to make to the building.

“In this way all the appropriate issues will be considered in the public domain”.

Campaigners have opposed the prospect of a store since the start of the year and have been elated by the officers’ decision, urging Tesco to pull out of development all together.

Rob Jones, from the Stop Tesco in Goring campaign (STIG) said: “Nine months after secretly signing the lease, Tesco should withdraw their applications and withdraw the shadow that they have cast over our community, for they are neither wanted nor welcomed, in this location.”