CAMPAIGNERS are celebrating after unpopular plans for a Lidl supermarket were rejected by a planning inspector.
Last Thursday, he dismissed the store's appeal to develop the site of the former Good Companions pub, in Limpsfield Road, Hamsey Green, citing concerns over "highway safety".
Campaigners had battled the plans mainly over feared traffic problems and the potential risk from the extra traffic to children at two nearby schools.
Campaigner Paul Redington, who lives in Crewes Avenue, Warlingham, said: "This is a great day for Hamsey Green residents.
"It's an astounding result given we were up against the financial might of Lidl, their planning experts, and even a QC.
"All we had was our determination, and a conviction not to be steam-rollered."
He added: "It is also a victory for the 2,000 local schoolchildren, all of whom would have been at risk from this development."
The decision brings to apparent close a battle raging since August 2012 when Lidl first revealed its plans for the site.
Officers at Croydon Council had recommended the plans be approved, but councillors voted against them last August, triggering Lidl's appeal.
