Objectors – or supporters – have nine hours to make their views heard over the controversial plans for a second Sainsbury’s Local in Blackstock Road before the case goes to appeal.

For two years, the supermarket giant has been battling to open another “Local” store at the old Highbury Vale Police Station – just a couple of hundred yards from the branch on the Hackney side of the road, near Finsbury Park.

In February, Islington Council denied its planning application.

The planning committee said it would “adversely impact the vibrancy of Finsbury Park town centre”, adding delivery lorries would cause congestion in Blackstock Road.

However, Sainsbury’s immediately took the decision to appeal.

A Planning Inspectorate hearing will take place on a date to be confirmed. As part of this, comments from members of the public are open until midnight.

Blackstock Road is famous for its independent businesses, and neighbours believe a Sainsbury’s Local would kill these off.

In a statement last year, Sainsbury’s defended itself, saying up to 20 jobs would be created by a new shop.

A spokeswoman claimed new stores often resulted in higher, not lower, footfall for shops nearby: “Our stores aim to complement, not compete with, local businesses.”

To have your say, visit the Planning Inspectorate website and click “make representation”.