A planning inspector has granted Tesco permission to build a new store in Ashtead village.

Nicholas Hammans said today that the supermarket chain could build the shop in The Street, Ashtead, after he heard evidence in an eight day public inquiry.

Campaigners who claimed the controversial development would turn the village into a “clone town” said they were surprised by his decision.

Gillian Russell, founder of Save Ashtead Village Environment (Save), said: “We are extremely disappointed at the result.

“It seems that in Ashtead people power has been totally ignored despite massive public opposition.”

Tesco had submitted two planning applications to Mole Valley Council, the second 30 per cent smaller than the first, but the authority turned them both down. The supermarket launched an appeal, and Mr Hammans granted permission for the smaller store today.

The 1,499 square metre shop will be on the former Esso site.

More than 1,230 objectors wrote letters or emails opposing the plans, and Save raised thousands of pounds to fund its campaign.