The Tesco Express will be built on the Marsh Mill Village car park on Fleetwood Road North.

Wyre planning committee approved the plan on chairman Coun Paul Moon's casting vote.

Following the decision, objectors stormed out of the meeting and neighbour Mike Sears shouted: "You had the opportunity to make a stand but you didn't."

After the meeting he said: "It was disgraceful: everyone spoke against it. We are very disappointed."

Paul Rogers of Paul Mark hairdressers on Fleetwood Road North said: "I think it was a foregone conclusion. I think they are frightened of Tesco."

Objections centred around possible problems with parking, flooding and noise.

But head of planning Garry Payne said there was an over-provision of parking at the site and the committee could not make a decision based on assumptions about what might happen.

Coun Marlene Colby said the committee's hands were tied and added: "We have not got a decent reason to turn it down."

Seven members of the public stood up to speak to the committee, including Mr Rogers, who said it had taken 10 minutes to get a petition of 270 signatures opposing the scheme.

He added that another convenience store was not needed, with four others within a 10-minute walk.

Mr Rogers also claimed local family businesses would be affected.
He added: "Someone is going to suffer, and it's not going to be Tesco."

Mr Sears, who lives on Fleetwood Road North, said air-conditioning and refrigeration units would be opposite homes, causing noise 24 hours a day.

He added: "It isn't right that a giant like Tesco can come in an devalue our houses and wreck our lives."

Howard Phillips, chairman of Thornton Action Group said water would be directed away from the site and could affect adjoining properties.

Ward councillor Ann Turner made an impassioned plea against the proposal.

She said: "Locally feeling is very high.

"There have been numerous complaints and petitions."

A submission from Tesco said there would be steps to avoid flooding, and refrigeration units would not affect residents.

The chairman cast his vote in favour after voting was split 5-5 with two abstentions.

Michael Kissman, corporate manager for Tesco, said after the meeting: "It isn't our intention to cause disruption or disharmony among local people. All the issues are addressed in the planning report, we have been through the democratic process. We are pleased to invest in this area and create new jobs."