Plans to build on the Tolworth Tower site have not deterred Tesco from its scheme for a new megastore and housing nearby.

After withdrawing its previous plans in the face of strong opposition, the supermarket giant claims to be entering a new consultation with an almost entirely clean slate.

Every aspect of the old plan, which included 600 flats, 6,000sqm megastore and a bridge over the A3, has been scrapped ahead of the first of its working group meetings today.

But Tesco said high environmental standards and a new store remained high priorities.

Also in the mix is developer Targetfollow, owner of the Tolworth Tower, which is currently in talks with Kingston Council about building 200 extra flats and shops next to its property. If both schemes go ahead, it will only add to concerns about adding more traffic to already busy roads.

Tesco hopes that the working group will help to defuse some of the opposition to its plans.

It has invited everyone who made a public comment on the old plan to be part of the working group, whose number includes members of Tolworth Residents Against Over-development (Trod). The floor will be opened to the working group, made up of about 70 people, at meetings on Wednesday and Thursday night.

A Tesco spokesman said: "We have tfl.gov.uk/tfl/" target="_blank">Transport for London coming down and the purpose is to talk about Tolworth. Obviously we own the site but we are open to discussion about the aspirations of the area.

"It's in our interest to make it as successful as possible in terms of the Broadway."

The working group will be run by Vincent Goodstadt, former president of the Royal Town Planning Institute, who will report back the group's thoughts and findings. Residents' associations will be well represented, as will businesses, Kingston Council and other stakeholders.

James Wiggam, Tesco's corporate affairs manager, questioned some statements of by Andrew Simmsin his book Tescopoly.

He said: "We are successful because a lot of our customers believe what we are doing.

"It depends what the local retailer does. If they are providing what the customer wants they will stay open. The more vibrant the high street the better it will be for our stores."

The working group will hold two meetings. The first will establish a broader idea of what people want, with the second to focus down on what might find its way into the plans.

- Can Tolworth's roads, schools and health services cope with more housing and two new superstores? Have your say on this story on our online forum at surreycomet.co.uk/haveyoursay/messageforum.