An investigation examining two major supermarket plans earmarked  for a Mid Wales town is to take place.

Powys County Council said an independent retail expert was carrying out a retail study in Machynlleth to look into the issues surrounding two planned developments in the town by supermarket firms.

Retail giant Tesco wants to open on the former Travis Perkins site in Doll Street. But an application for a 27,000 sq ft store, submitted to planners last month, has divided town residents.

Co-op has also applied to extend its store in Heol Maengwyn into the site of the old community centre.

The county council’s planning department said it had received 685 letters of objecting to the Tesco plan, compared to just five letters of support.

The Co-op application has received one letter of support and no objections.

John Evans, communications manager for the county council, said: “The county council is aware of the significance of both the Co-op and Tesco applications for the future retail provision in Machynlleth and has taken the step to employ an independent retail expert who will consider the issues.

“This work is currently taking place and the contents of this report will be made available to the public when it is complete.”

Earlier this month two groups were set up on Facebook, one for the development of Tesco and the other against.

Felix Gummer, a Tesco spokesman, said a public consultation held earlier this year showed 79 per cent of residents were in favour of the plans.