New rules could see shop plan rejected
Thursday 31st December 2009, 9:56AM GMT.
Campaigners opposing plans for a new supermarket in Oswestry claimed today that new Government planning guidelines could lead to the proposals being rejected.
Members of the Shropshire branch of the Campaign to Protect Rural England (CPRE) said the new planning policy, which looks at sustainable economic growth, will cast into doubt the need for another store.
There are currently four rival applications for a new supermarket in Oswestry.
Shropshire Council is due to consider the applications in February or March.
Andy Boddington, vice chairman of the CPRE’s Shropshire branch, said the new Government guidelines could be good news for the group’s battle against the store plans.
He said: “This could be welcome news for Oswestry, where applications have been made for four new retail developments, three of which are out-of-town.
“The new rules say the impact of the proposals on high street shops and markets must be assessed before Shropshire Council decides on the planning applications. This assessment now needs to be completed urgently and independently.
“We are confident that it will show that these proposals will undermine Oswestry’s high street.
“The Government’s statement also reaffirms existing guidance that town centres should be developed before out-of-town sites. There is no case for out-of-town development in Oswestry while there is space available in the town centre.”
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