Tesco has officially thrown in the towel in its decade-long battle to build a supermarket on the old Toby Jug site in Tolworth.

Since 2002 when it bought the site from the Government, the supermarket giant has withdrawn three sets of plans after opposition from councillors.

It will put forward plans for housing on the site by the A3, it has announced tonight.

Tolworth and Hook Rise councillor Rolson Davies, who called for Kingston Council to compulsorily purchase the site after the latest application was dropped, said: “That is what we have always wanted. My reaction was relief, I think.

“I was very pleased that they have made a decision.

“I am more than happy to work with them to get some development that is good for the community and good for them.”

Developers Spenhill will submit a new planning application later this year.

Roberto Munoz, London communications manager for Tesco said: “We know the redevelopment of this site is very important to the local community.

“We have listened and we now intend to bring forward a residential-led development which will make a major contribution to Kingston’s housing needs.

“Whilst the new plans will not include a supermarket, the site remains a challenging one to redevelop and we are working carefully on these proposals.

“We will consult with the community later in the year.”