Basingstoke councillors have released the results of a survey damning Tesco’s proposals for a new store in the town.
Liberal Democrat ward members leafleted more than 1,000 people and results showed nearly three quarters of them do not want the store.
Tesco said it will launch its own consultation this week in a bid to win support for its plans.
The company is proposing to build a 63,197sq ft shop at the former Smiths Industries site on Winchester Road.
Brighton Hill councillor Kevin Harkess and Grove councillor Ron Hussey crunched through 1,322 responses from residents in Brighton Hill, The Berg, Cranbourne, Kings Furlong and South Ham.
Up to 73 per cent of people said there was no need for a new Tesco in Basingstoke, while 26 per cent supported the plan and one per cent were undecided.
Cllr Harkess said he was concerned that the new store would force smaller shops to close.
“If Tesco comes to the west of the town centre, there is a risk that we could end up with less choice – no Jaybee’s at Kings Furlong Centre, no Londis at Anstey Close, no McColl’s at Buckland Parade and no butcher or Co-op at Kings Road.
“And, of course, these people could lose their jobs, alongside losses at other supermarkets. It’s not about Tesco offering a wider choice, it’s about increasing Tesco’s market share and Tesco’s profits”
Last week, the supermarkert said the new development would include a £2m revamp of the Brighton Hill roundabout, The Harrow Way, Winchester Road and the Viables roundabout.
According to the survey, 51 per cent of residents were worried about traffic congestion and 42 per cent said the town had enough superstores.
It is claimed the site would create up to 40 per cent more cars around the Winchester Road and Harrow Way, leading to fears of bigger tailbacks at the Brighton Hill roundabout.
Juliette Bishop, Tesco’s regional corporate affairs manager, said the supermarket chain will change its plans according to people’s feedback.
She said: “Tesco's transport proposals were altered following comments received from residents. Tesco is continuing to consult with the local community and residents' comments will be incorporated into the proposals, wherever possible, to make them better.”
Cllr Hussey added: “The latest proposals have completely changed from what they were originally.
“But until they have been looked over by county highways officers we can’t really say how the plans will affect traffic either way.”
