Builders staying in Portakabins and caravans have moved on to the Tesco site in Tolworth, while the supermarket giant decides whether to resubmit plans for a new store.
The former Ministry of Defence site behind Hook Rise South has been let out to contractor Bam Nuttall, which is doing roadworks nearby on the A3, until November.
The arrival of the caravans sparked the interest of neighbours who are anxious to discover Tesco’s intentions for the site, fuelling speculation it is biding its time until the housing market picks up.
The supermarket withdrew plans for a new store, 562 homes and new roundabout over the A3, for the second time in April this year, because they were not “commercially viable”.
MP Edward Davey, who was campaigning against the plans, dubbed it a victory for local residents and businesses.
James Wiggam, corporate affairs manager for Tesco, said no decisions about whether to sell the site or resubmit plans have yet been made.
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