The Ashtead Residents' Association and SAVE say that the scheme will fail to preserve Ashtead's village character. The groups also believe both the plans will have an impact on the vitality and viability of independent retailers.

Tesco says that "trade diversion from one in-centre shop to another is competition and to be encouraged". It also argues the economic benefits of adding a Tesco supermarket into the centre of the village, as it would encourage more footfall.

The residents' groups believe that the increased amount of traffic generated will stretch the capacity of the village. Of particular concern is the junction between Woodfield Lane and The Street which is viewed as already substandard and dangerous.

Tesco argue that it would pay for works to improve the visibility of the junction and that the traffic attributed to the proposed supermarket has been overstated.

The ARA says that both of the schemes fail to provide adequate parking so that surrounding streets aren't congested and it doesn't impact negatively on the Ashtead Peace Memorial Hall's car park.

In response to this, Tesco said in its opening statement to the inquiry: "Plainly it makes far more sense to use the district centre's main car park for the benefit of shoppers and visitors to the centre and its facilities rather than for long stay parking."

The ARA argue that the plans will have a negative impact on neighbouring residents through noise and other disturbances.

Tesco argue that there would be noise attenuation fencing around the car park.