The owners of Streatham’s small independent shops fear plans to increase the size of a new Tesco superstore will put them out of business.

The supermarket giant submitted an amended planning proposal last month to increase the size of its proposed store, part of the Streatham Hub development, from 40,000 to 60,000sq ft.

A retail impact assessment to gauge the threat to nearby businesses was not submitted with the application, sparking fears among businessowners their livelihoods’ futures were not being taken in to account.

A worker at family-run off-licence Chimes Corner, in Streatham High Road, said it would not renew its lease because of the development.

He said: “Tesco does not care about the impact on local trade.”

He said the arrival of a large Morrisons by Streatham station had already damaged business and predicted Tesco’s coming would spell its end.

Hopton Parade Food & Wine owner, Abdi Raage, 42, said: “We don’t need this. Big stores like Morrisons and Tesco are killing small businesses.”

But Lambeth Council and Streatham’s town centre manager, Angelina Purcell, tried to allay their concerns, saying the retail assessment was in progress as part of Tesco’s planning application.

Mrs Purcell said: “The Streatham Hub will bring important investment and regeneration to Streatham, but it’s important it does not harm the businesses already here.”

She said she had spoken to Tesco, claimed it was keen to discuss ways of complimenting businesses and said a meeting would be organised between the retailer and businesses to discuss concerns.

Tesco’s new Hub plans are available for viewing in the reception of Gracefield Gardens Community Centre, off Streatham High Road, after residents encountered problems viewing them.