A CONTROVERSIAL Tesco development which has divided a community has been given the go-ahead.

The plan, which includes a 24-hour superstore and 250 homes on empty industrial land in Highams Park, was narrowly approved during a heated meeting of the council’s planning committee on Tuesday.

Conservative group leader Matt Davis afterwards accused the ruling parties of “sacrificing Highams Park for corporate greed”.

This view was echoed by residents opposed to the development, who said the approval was motivated by fear of losing out on £1.5 million Tesco has promised to contribute to health, schools and local amenities.

During the town hall meeting, committee chairman Cllr Masood Ahmad, who is required to remain impartial during the debate, expressed concern that the council will miss out on the money if the application is turned down.

The council’s legal advisor confirmed the contribution may be lost if the supermarket giant appeals against a refusal.

But the Conservatives insist the promise of £1.5 million should not be the main factor in commiteee members’ decision making.

Opponents claim the development will ruin the area by destroying independent shops and causing traffic congestion.

A consultant hired by Tesco conceded there will be an increase in traffic, but said there would not be gridlock in surrounding roads.

But Conservative Cllr Alan Siggers said the claim lacks credibility.

Speaking afterwards, Gail Williams, of Hale End Road, said: “The council's planning committee has been bullied into making this decision.

“The council is worried it will lose out financially if it doesn't serve Tesco's corporate greed.”

Roger Torode, Highams Park Society chairman, said the planning commitee was misled.

“We will continue to fight,” he added.

Tesco insist the development, which will create an estimated 182 jobs, is the only way to regenerate the area.

A letter signed by a number of local businesses supported the plan, saying it will revive the ‘virtual ghost town’.

Gill Bateman, a director of Travel With Us in The Broadway, said: “I am relieved it went through. It will be good for the area and will bring jobs.

Marie Briscoe, manager of the Willows complimentary health centre, said: “It is the best thing that has happened to Highams Park”.

Eoin Dardis, Tesco's corporate affairs manager, said: “We are delighted with the decision.”

A previous Tesco proposal for the site of Larkshall Road was blocked by the government in 2007 on the grounds that it did not fit in with the area.