CONTROVERSIAL plans for a new Tesco superstore have been called in for consideration by the Government.

Tesco has applied twice to build a store off Larkshall Road in Highams Park, but the first plan was rejected by planners and the company is currently appealin g against this decision.

The second amended proposal, featuring a store with 390 car parking spaces, 78 homes and two shopping units, was approved in principle by councillors in September, subject to referrals to the Greater London Authority and the Government Office for London.

Now Ruth Kelly, Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government, has decided a public inquiry later this year into the development is necessary, a decision welcomed by Highams Park Forum (HPR).

A council spokesman said: "We have been advised that the Secretary of State has called it in for consideration because of its size in relation to adjacent shopping centres.

"It is likely that both Tesco's appeal and the called-in application will be dealt with at the same inquiry, depending on whether Tesco wishes to press ahead with the original appeal."

Graham Reeve, a spokesman for HPR, said the group was pleased with the decision.

He said: "The scale of the proposal is too large and we would like to see something more in keeping with the precincts of Highams Park."

John Beanse, the new Liberal Democrat councillor for Highams Park and Hale End, remained non-committal about the party's position but added that he would seek the best possible deal for residents.