The Co-op has been stopped from building a new mini supermarket in Duston following a public backlash.
More than 800 people signed a petition or written letters to Northampton Borough Council opposing the development plan in Main Road.
The scheme would have seen a current petrol station, which is close to a number of shops, demolished and a Co-op built in its place.
But members of the public and parish councillors expressed concerns about the impact the store could have on traffic and existing shops.
They were backed by planning committee members, including Councillor Dennis Meredith (Lib Dem, Talavera), who said: “Nearly 800 people have signed a petition against this and more have sent us letters. That’s a tremendous amount. So I’ve got to support the people of Duston by saying I’m against this.”
He was backed by fellow committee member, Councillor Mike Hallam (Con, Parklands), who added: “My concern is if this development is allowed, the store would eat up the other shops.”
It was proposed the committee should block the development because of the number of people against it.
But when council planning experts pointed out that was not a legitimate reason to block the scheme, the public were asked to leave the meeting so councillors could discuss the issue in private.
After re-opening the meeting, councillors said the plan would be opposed because of the shop’s “overbearing impact on the community” and the “visual impact” it would have. That was backed by six committee members while three voted against.