HEADINGTON shoppers will soon be spoiled for choice after Tesco last night got consent for alterations to a shop in London Road.

Once it opens its doors, five of the major supermarket chains will be vying for customers in the street.

Oxford City Council’s east area planning committee gave Tesco permission for a new shopfront, signs and a cash machine at 83-85 London Road.

The application was app-roved by six votes to one.

London Road already has Sainsbury’s, Morrisons, Waitrose and Co-operative supemarkets in the area.

As the site already had consent for use as a shop, Tesco only needed to secure permission for the alterations.

The proposal was opposed by a number of nearby residents, while Thames Valley Police expressed reservations over the need for another cash machine in the road.

In a submission to the council, Chris Shead, Thames Valley Police’s Joint Assistant Chief Constable, said: “I do not wish to object to the proposals at this time. However, I would query whetherthere is a need for another ATM at this location given that there are several within a short distance of the site.”

And a neighbour said: “There are more than six other ATMs within 100 metres and several within a much smaller distance. There is no need for yet another one.”

Headington & Quarry ward councillor Roz Smith objected to the plans, saying its impact would be “one of 24/7 noise”.

But planning officers had recommended approval of the plans, saying they had considered “the likely effect of the proposal on the need to reduce crime and disorder” but believed it would not “undermine crime prevention or the promotion of community safety”.

Marston resident Jo Bartlett was dismayed by the decision. She said: “It was just a foregone conclusion. I’m not surprised. I think there are too many supermarkets in Headington. The traffic is completely gridlocked.

“All there is on London Road is charity shops and supermarkets. There is no community life.”

Beth Greenhouse, a corporate affairs manager at Tesco, said: “We’re keen to have a convenience store in London Road and we have been very pleased to hear from residents.

“We expect to have about 20 new jobs in the store.”