OXTED'S independent shops could be at risk of closure if a supermarket is extended, traders have warned.
Morrisons has submitted a planning application to increase the size of its East Hill store by more than 2,500 square metres – or 50 per cent.
A further 20 car parking spaces would also be added, bringing capacity up to 333. But residents have expressed concerns about the impact the extension could have on surrounding businesses.
Daniel Nickson, of Uvedale Road in Oxted, said: "The town is well-served with food shops.
"These merchants will suffer because, as we know, Morrisons will undercut the competition to increase market share, and could conceivably put shopkeepers out of business.
"To allow Morrisons to dominate the town will adversely alter the charm of the town."
Oxted has three other supermarkets – Waitrose, Sainsburys and a Co-op.
Paul Dashwood, chairman of Oxted Chamber of Commerce, admitted the proposed development was worrying to his members.
"We do have concerns about what this could mean to smaller businesses, and we have a meeting with Tandridge District Council later this week to see if a further survey can be conducted to assess the impact on other businesses," he said.
Mark Ridley, owner of independent pet shop It's a Pets Life, in Station Road West, said he would be very concerned if the supermarket started selling more pet food and toys.
He said: "The economy is bad enough at the moment, without the added stress of more competition.
"At the moment we are fairly safe, but if this application is allowed then it could be a different story. Laws stop bigger stores selling certain types of cat and dog food, and we will have to rely on that to see us through if they are given permission."
The planning application was submitted to the district council in October, and so far 13 objections have been lodged.
Helena Windsor, of Stychens Lane, Bletchingley, commented: "Additional space may mean additional lines and threaten our local independent electrical retailer and pet shop."
Tandridge District Council's planning committee is due to discuss the plans on February 7.
Morrisons was not available for comment.
