Residents in Warminster worried that a supermarket’s expansion bid would lead to a loss of privacy and a rise in illegal parking are relieved after the planning application was thrown out.

The application to extend Tesco Extra in Broadway from a two to a three storey building and create two more shops and six two-bedroom flats, was turned down by Wiltshire Council last Wednesday.

If approved, the extension would have resulted in the loss of nearly a dozen customer car parking spaces.

Sylvia Smith, of Thornhill Road, went to the council meeting to voice her concerns over existing problems.

“I’m getting fed up with it. The lighting over there (at Tesco) goes on at about 5.30am and it goes off at about 11.30pm.

“I don’t need any lighting in my bungalow and if they build up a level or two it will be even worse.

“I said that if the plan does go ahead I want an 8ft wall between us or they can buy me out.

“I moved here because I wanted a bit of peace and quiet. I’m 75 years old and I don’t need this. I’m dead against it, I really am.”

Another resident, who lives in Broxburn Road, added: “It might look attractive on paper but the proposal would have caused great concern for local people if it was approved because the traffic and parking is bad enough in this shopping area as it is and the application would have worsened it.”

Cllr Keith Humphries, who spoke on behalf of residents at the meeting, claimed the decision was a victory for common sense.

“I don’t think anyone had objections to a well-thought out design because it needs it, but to reduce the parking is ridiculous so I was really pleased it was turned down,” he said.

Cllr Paul Batchelor said: “If it had been passed it would have been a carbuncle for Broadway because of the extensive size of the building and because it would take away many of the parking spaces. There’s not enough car parking down there as it is.”

Cllr Tony Nicklin said: “We are not against the application per se, but what we are saying is that the architects got it wrong.

“They have not taken enough consideration of the reduction in parking and the effect it will have on the surrounding community.

“We thought the plans were totally inappropriate because this is a residential area and the local residents suffer a lot with illegal parking as it is.”