Residents have lost a high-profile campaign to stop a new Tesco store being built in their village.
Campaigners in Pontyclun, Rhondda Cynon Taf, claimed the plans for a Tesco convenience shop would damage the distinct character of the village.
Proposals for the store were initially rejected, but developers have now won an appeal.
However, Tesco said the new store would enhance the choice of shopping in the area.
But residents opposed to the development argued that there were already four existing Tesco stores within a five-mile radius of Pontyclun.
These include a large Tesco Extra supermarket a mile away at Talbot Green.
"We have a village that is vibrant, totally in balance, we have everything we need"
Sue Harvey, who helped organise the campaign against the Pontyclun development, described the decision as a "black day" for the village.
"Tesco is good in the right place - Pontyclun isn't the right place," she added.
"We have a village that is vibrant, totally in balance, we have everything we need."
She said villagers feared that local businesses would be hit.
'Vitality and viability'
"Within five years we will have a very deserted high street," she claimed.
The planning application to build the store in the village was the subject of a three-day public inquiry in October. Planning inspectors have now ruled that developers Beckerly Holdings can proceed on behalf of Tesco.
Matt Bryant, speaking for the developers, said: "In granting permission the inspector made it clear that this development will be beneficial to the vitality and viability of the shopping centre of Pontyclun.
"He also rejected the arguments put forward by objectors that the proposal would give rise to parking and highway problems."
Work on the store is expected to begin in the new year.
Tesco said: "A new Tesco Express store will significantly enhance the range and choice of convenience shopping within the town centre and will support the wide range of other shops and services that the town offers".
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