Controversial plans for a huge discount foodstore in Shropshire have been dismissed after a three-day inquiry.

Developer Growing Enterprises applied to build a 16,749 sq ft retail unit, which was likely to become the home of a store such as Aldi, Lidl or Netto, at Mere Park in Stafford Road, on the outskirts of Newport.

The application went before Government Inspector Mel Middleton in August after Telford & Wrekin Council failed to deal with it within a specified 12-week period. During the inquiry, council representatives said they were opposed to the plans and said there was no need for a retail development of that size in Newport.

But bosses from Growing Enterprises said it would create jobs and boost the economy.

No-one from Growing Enterprises was available to comment today.

In his report, Mr Middleton said: “I have found that although the proposal would not have a significant adverse impact on the vitality and viability of Newport town centre and its role as a market town, it could be located on a sequentially more preferable site.

“Additionally, it is not accessible by a choice of means of transport to a satisfactory level.

“Additionally, the need for the development is not sufficient to outweigh the development plan policy for the rural area.”

Newport mayor Councillor Roy Scammell said: “We don’t want anything that is going to affect some very good retailers. We need to support them.”