Retailers in Flackwell Heath, Buckinghamshire, have expressed relief at the council’s refusal to be swayed by a report playing down the impact of a proposed Sainsbury’s c-store on local independent traders.

The report, compiled by property agents Colliers International on behalf of the owners of the site, claimed that local businesses would not be adversely affected by the introduction of a Sainsbury’s. It said that a new convenience store at the site “would not result in the closure of any existing operators”.

However, members of Wycombe District Council were not convinced and ruled that more independent retail studies needed to be carried out before a decision could be reached. The council also called for a retail consultant to attend the next planning committee meeting so they could get more information on the potential impact.

Vic Grewal, who owns Budgens in Flackwell Heath, welcomed the council’s decision. He refuted the report’s statement that his store would “remain viable”. Vic said: “We are just about keeping our heads above water now another store would kill us off.”

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