Campaigners say they have won a partial victory over Tesco after several proposals for a store in Clarendon Park were turned down.
Leicester City Council's planning committee last night turned down three out of six applications made by the supermarket for the former Barclays bank building, in Queen's Road.
Tesco does not need permission to open a store at the site, but it does need approval for a number of alterations it wishes to make to the building.
Plans for a cash machine outside the store, an external chiller and air conditioning units were rejected last night.
The committee did approve applications to turn a glass door into a window, to install a canopy and for signage outside the building.
But people protesting against the development believe the verdict could make Tesco rethink its plans.
Queen's Road resident Catherine Flick said she was "elated" at the setback for Tesco.
"It is very relieving," she said. "There were major traffic and safety concerns. We are really happy."
Campaigners have been fighting the company's plans to open a branch in Queen's Road for months, with 2,700 people signing a petition against it.
Mags Lewis, who spoke at last night's meeting, raised concerns including the safety of pedestrians and children crossing the road near to a site where large vehicles could be making deliveries.
Tesco spokesman Simon Petar said the company had taken a great deal of time to consult with residents about the applications.
He said the company spoke to residents living in 19 streets in the area and found more than half said they wanted the Tesco store to go ahead.
He said the store would create 20 jobs.
Planning officers had recommended the plans be approved, despite receiving about 80 objections plus the petition.
However, the planning committee rejected the ATM because of its position near to a busy junction.
They said the external chiller unit would make it difficult for large vehicles to get down a narrow road to the back of the building. They were also concerned about the lack of space for lorries to manoeuvre at the back of the building.
The air conditioning units were rejected due to a potential loss of parking and because of noise concerns.
Tesco has the right to appeal against the refused plans.
