A busy footpath and cycleway in Petersfield are no longer under threat from a Tesco planning application.

The supermarket operator had submitted new plans for a Timpson Pod, after the previous application was withdrawn in 2023, following strong opposition from the public.

Last week, the latest proposal was rejected, due to the “unacceptable impact” the pod would have on the footpath and cycleway, to the “detriment of the safety and convenience of pedestrians and other users”.

The pod would’ve been located on the path that runs round the back of Tesco, linking The Petersfield School (TPS), and Petersfield Infant School, making it a popular route for students.

In his objection, TPS Headteacher Mark Marande, said: “The positioning of the Timpson Pod will create a pinch point on a very busy pedestrian and cycle route used daily for a large proportion of our school community.

“The proposed reduced width of the path to accommodate the pod will not adequately allow for the safety of our students, when crowding and congestion reduce the amenity of this key school travel route.”

The South Downs National Park Authority said the plans were considered contrary to policies SD19 and SD20 of the South Downs Local Plan, Paragraphs 109 and 115 of the National Planning Policy Framework and incompatible with the S.106 Agreement.

Other objections cited concern about the threat of the Pod to The Petersfield Cobbler on Chapel Street, owned by Steve White, due to the similarity in services, such as key cutting and shoe repairs.

Mr White previously told the Petersfield Post: “I've been here near on 30 years and we’re not averse to a bit of competition, but we've got enough empty shops and we don't want to see anymore of them.”

Tesco now has six months to appeal the decision, if it chooses to do so.