Campaigners bidding to stop Tesco moving to Belsize Park took their fight to the council with a deputation urging a more “holistic” approach to trader applications.
Community activist Jessica Learmond-Criqui made the deputation to full council on Monday and delivered a petition with more than 2,000 signatures opposing plans for a store on the site of the old HSBC bank in Haverstock Hill.
She was joined by actress Dame Janet Suzman who called for the protection of London’s “villages”, such as Belsize Park, from high street giants.
Cllr Phil Jones, cabinet member for regeneration, transport and planning, said the council had no power from central government to stop traders turning banks into shops or opening chain stores instead of independent shops.
He added: “To campaign together on these issues would be really powerful to give local communities more powers to protect and develop high streets.”
Tesco’s application is set to be heard by the council next month.
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