THE long-running saga over Tesco in Bourne End took another twist last night as councillors again refused to accept plans for a new store.

An initial proposal was refused by Wycombe District Council's planning committee, but when Tesco appealed a different committee said the council should not go up against the retail giant at an inquiry.

This appeared to have paved the way for the project and Tesco submitted another application. Had the council's planning committee given the go-ahead last night, a public inquiry into the plans would not have been needed.

But councillors on the planning committee again said they were 'minded to refuse' the application, citing the impact it will have on village traders.

This will allow the inquiry process to play out, but due to the controversial decision by the Regulatory and Appeals committee in February, the council is not expected to hire lawyers to challenge Tesco at the hearing, which begins on May 25.

Campaigners in the village have sent hundreds of letters to the planning inspectorate to oppose the scheme and these will be considered at the inquiry.

See link below for our previous stories on Tesco in Bourne End.