RESIDENTS campaigning against plans to re-develop a petrol station were jubilant after councillors decided it would have a detrimental effect on local shops and facilities.

Esso was planning to include a replacement sales building and forecourt alterations at the petrol station in Marlow Road, High Wycombe, which would mean an 80 per cent increase in the size of the building.

An application was made to extend the sales building in 1995 but was later withdrawn but the current application was part of the alliance between Esso and Tesco Express stores.

Patricia Price, from Desborough Avenue, High Wycombe, told councillors: "It is suitable only for inner city or out of town situations.

"Residents are already concerned about about high traffic levels at Handy Cross."

She said that pedestrians would be in danger and the noise would make the homes "unendurable" and suggested that if the plans went ahead it would contravene human rights legislation by making it difficult for people to live in their homes.

Greg Pead, speaking for the developers, said: "We believe this strengthens the local facility."

Mr Pead suggested it would reduce traffic because the number of trips would be reduced and said the character of the area would not change.

Cllr Lesley Clarke (Con, Cressex and Frogmoor) said: "It really is naive to assume that detriment to existing local shopowners would not happen. We have to remember that Tesco is a large chain and it can and will undercut local shopowners."

The county highways authority said the development would create a further 124 traffic movements a day but Cllr Clarke disagreed.

"Unfortunately those people in Aylesbury Ivory Towers wouldn't come down to have a look" she said."

The application was refused as it was decided it would be detrimental to local home and shop owners.