PLANS to build a Tesco store on the site of Christopher Whitehead High School look set to be blocked by the city council.

City planners are likely to recommend that the proposed 35,750 sq ft supermarket be refused because of the amount of traffic it would bring into St John's and the impact it would have on other shops.

"At the moment I am anticipating recommending refusal on highways grounds and the shopping impact," said principal planning officer, Peter Yates.

However, Tesco claims a study by transport consultants, Boreham Consulting Engineers, has concluded the new relief road included in its plans would ensure that a new supermarket would not increase traffic.

"It will provide an effective release for traffic in St John's and will ensure that a new food store does not cause congestion," said Andrew Harris, development executive for Tesco.

"Our proposals will improve traffic circulation, open up the opportunity to prioritise buses through St John's, significantly improve parking facilities, and create better opportunities for pedestrians and cyclists."

Traffic problems

But city engineers from Worcestershire Transportation Partnership will be objecting to the proposals.

Principal engineer, Andy Walford, said the link road might have some benefits but the store would create further traffic problems at the junction of Bromyard Road and St John's.

"We are not making any objections based on the link road," he said.

"Our biggest problem is that we don't think Bromyard Road and St John's will cope with the development traffic."

In October last year, Tesco withdrew its plans for a store in St John's after being told planning officers would be recommending refusal. Revised proposals were submitted in February 2003.

The city council's planning committee is expected to discuss Tesco's proposals when it meets on Thursday, June 12.

Committee members will make a recommendation to full council, which will make the final decision.