RESIDENTS and traders say a planned new supermarket at Chase Side would “kill off” long-established local businesses.

The area, which locals describe as a village, is home to a stretch about 50 independent businesses, which include two grocers, bakers, newsagents, a florist, an electrical shop and an antique shop, one of which has been there for over a century.

Chase Side is also home to a small Tesco, and within a 10 minute drive of Waitrose in Enfield Town and Sainsbury’s in Highlands Village.

Last month an application was submitted for a mixed development including a three-storey block of 16 two-bedroom flats, with a 400 square metre Sainsbury’s Local store underneath and a basement car park.

About 50 residents have protested outside the Civic Centre against the move, and started a petition which has so far reached 400 signatures.

Chase Side resident Carolyn Bibby, said: “We are not against some development on this site but it should be much needed family homes. Chase Side needs another supermarket like a hole in the head, it will kill what is left of a former community!”

Joe Culora, owner of Chase Side Grocers, said: “People will think I want go to Joe for this and the newsagents for that, but I won’t because I might get a parking ticket, so I’ll just go to Sainsbury’s where I can get everything and parking is free.”

Marion Slingsby, 74, assistant at W G Wood and son, a bakery at 183 Chase Side which was opened the 1880s, said: “What you have to realise is that they are taking away our livelihood, while for them they are just adding another store, for their greed, and bank balance.

“I love working here, it is like a family, and some people have been coming all their lives. We are only bakery for miles around that bakes on the premises. One lady comes from Tring twice a fortnight to buy eight loaves of bread.”

Delores Kitchener, 49, lives in a Grade II listed Georgian house which abuts the site, at 105 to 109 Chase Side.

She said was “fuming” when she found out about the plans and feared her house, which had been in her husband’s family since the turn of the century, could subside with the increase in traffic and if plans to build an underground car park go ahead.

She said: “Our house was built in the early 1700s and there are no foundations, it is built on soil. Any vibrations from traffic will impact on it.”

But not all residents are against the development.

In a comment on the Enfield Independent website, celeryuk, who lives close to the new site, said: “I think the street would benefit. There isn't one decent supermarket within walking distance of my house.

“Sure there are about 20 hairdressers but no decent convenience store. We always have to drive to Tesco or across the A10 to do a weekly shop.”

A spokesman for Enfield Council said: "To date a sustantive number of objections have been received in response to consultation and the issues raised will be taken into consideration in determining the application."

A spokeswoman for Sainsbury’s said: "Sainsbury’s is interested in opening a convenience store in the Enfield area, but as yet has no confirmed plans. We understand a scheme, which includes retail space, is being considered for Chase Side and this may provide an opportunity for a Sainsbury’s Local.

"Sainsbury’s convenience stores are the smallest in the Sainsbury’s estate.

"We have convenience stores in many locations, which trade well alongside both successful independent traders and national retailers and we are confident a Sainsbury’s Local can be a positive addition to the area, occupying vacant units and providing more shopping choice for people."