“I fought hard for Tesco’s  proposal to open in Toxteth,  but this store would be  completely inappropriate in  Hope Street.”

“But a Tesco would be the final nail in the coffin for Hope Street.

“They need to balance their  pursuit of profit with the  dreadful PR that applications  like this generate.”

Hilary Burrage, chairman  of the Hope Street  Association, said: “We would  have serious questions to ask  and want to know how it fits.

“Once the ambience of  Hope Street has been  destroyed, whether it is by  Tesco or other people, then  it’s gone.”

Joanne McNahon, of Hope  Street-based production  company Handstand, said:  “We are objecting on the  grounds that there is nowhere  for them to load, or any  parking facilities.

“It would also kill off small  businesses in the area.”

Handstand is a landlord with tenants at five addresses in the street, and Miss McNahon said all tenants were also opposed.
A Tesco spokesman said:  “We believe it would be a  popular and successful store.

“We recognise the  uniqueness of some of the  buildings in Hope Street, and  are happy to listen to  feedback.”