Bosses at J Ross Developments would not be drawn today on whether they will appeal against Shropshire Council’s decision to reject their bid to build Oswestry’s new supermarket.

The firm saw its bid to build a multi-million pound store and cinema on the Central Car Park thrown out by the council’s strategy planning committee at a packed meeting at the Marches School yesterday.

The decision flies in the face of the council’s own planning officers’ advice, which recommended the Central Car Park plan was the best for the town and would have less of an impact on the town centre traders than three rival bids.

In a brief statement, J Ross Developments bosses said they would now be figuring out their next move — but would not say if that would include an appeal against the decision.

Nick Scott from the firm said: “We are obviously disappointed with the decision and will be considering our position going forward.”

The decision to refuse permission for the Central Car Park was the “best option”, according to members of the Keep Our Town Special coalition which has been battling all four bids.

But spokesman Saffron Rainey said the group must now prepare for another meeting at which the town’s three other supermarket bids would be considered.

He said: “Obviously it is not over until it is over but this is a positive step.

“It is one down and three to go but obviously there could be an appeal from J Ross Developments.

“It is good to see that councillors on the strategic planning committee have the confidence and strength to overrule their officers’ recommendations.

“The councillors have read the report and made up their own minds on what they have heard. They have listened to the objectors and taken a difficult decision.

“We must protect the town and ensure it thrives in the future.

“Supermarkets of the scale suggested will damage the town.”