Voters fail to halt Sainsbury's

Campaigners spent £5,000 on the referendum

A supermarket is to be built despite residents voting against it in a referendum organised by the Electoral Reform Society (ERS).

More than 7,700 people in Barnes, south-west London, voted and almost 86% were against the Sainsbury's store.

It is thought to be the first time an independent postal referendum has been used to fight a proposed supermarket.

But the vote has no legal status and Sainsbury's, which says it has support locally, has got planning permission.

The cost of involving the ERS is thought to be £5,000, which was raised by the campaign group White Hart Action Group (WHAG).

Sainsbury's now have to listen to us after this resounding no Campaigner David Rossiter

Conservative prospective parliamentary candidate and environmental activist Zac Goldsmith donated about £1,000 to WHAG.

David Rossiter, from WHAG, said: "Sainsbury's now have to listen to us after this resounding no. They have to sit round the table and talk to us."

Campaigners say the superstore will damage local small traders.

Richmond Council said it opposed the scheme but the Planning Inspector allowed an appeal and granted planning permission.

Councillor Martin Elengorn said: "We watch with interest how Sainsbury's react to the outcome of the referendum."

A spokesman for Sainsbury's said: "The development at White Hart Lane was subject to a very rigorous planning process which included a public inquiry.

"We have been encouraged by the many messages of support we've had, particularly from those residents who do not have cars and who have no alternative store within walking distance at which to do their grocery shopping."