by Rachel Hovenden

rhovenden@thekmgroup.co.uk

A supermarket giant has won an appeal meaning it can build on a garage site despite residents' concerns.

Burlington Estates had submitted a planning application for the Riverview Park Garage site in Whinfell Way, Gravesend, in the summer.

Councillors rejected the application, which had attracted interest from Tesco, Co-op and Halfords, in November last year.

But Burlington Estates appealed to the Planning Inspectorate and won, leaving Gravesham council will the bill for costs.

A Gravesham council spokesman said a Tesco Extra was planned for the site.

It would be the fifth Tesco in the town.

Trader Bala Arun, 51, whose Costcutter store is near the site and organised a petition against the proposals, said: "The thing is life is challenging.

"The garage has served thje community for many years.

"The sad thing is that the democracy isn't alive.

"I can't challenge it.

"I am fighting for good democracy and money and power won.

"That is the reality."

He added that his concerns were not because he owns a shop nearby but because he cared for the community.

A Gravesham council spokesman said: "The Secretary of State inspector announced his decision in March following a site visit by the inspector. He overturned the council's refusal of planning permission and therefore granted permission. The council has to pay costs and the sum is being negotiated between the lawyers.

"Burlington Estates now have three years to build the larger unit (Tesco Extra) and one smaller unit for an independent trader."