The battle to build Oswestry’s new multi-million pound supermarket reignited today after developers revealed they are appealing against a council decision to reject their plans.

J Ross Developments today confirmed it is appealing against the decision to refuse its proposals for a store on Oswestry Central Car Park. Council officers had recommended approval for the firm to build the store.

Included in the proposal were a digital cinema, five retail units with parking for 530 cars, and a long-stay car park in Middleton Road.

But in July a planning committee turned down the plans in an eight votes to two decision.

Councillors feared the development would lead to serious congestion in the town, that it was out of scale with what is a conservation area, and would have an “unacceptable impact” on the amenities of residents.

Today Nick Scott, from J Ross Developments, said: “The company decided to appeal against the committee’s decision following the receipt of positive professional advice on the prospects of a successful appeal.

“The Central Car Park site was the only one located in the centre of Oswestry that accorded with planning policies designed to protect town centres from out of town development.

“It was noted that this had been recognised by planning officers in their reports to committee and their recommendation that the scheme should be approved.

“J Ross Developments are currently waiting to hear when the appeal will be heard, although it is hoped that it may come before a planning inspector before the end of the year.”

Gareth Proffitt, a spokesman for Shropshire Council, said: “The agents for the Central Car Park applicant have written to Shropshire Council to inform us that they intend to appeal to the Planning Inspectorate.”

Decisions on three other applications were deferred at the July meeting and are expected to be heard later this year.

The applications are for the town’s Smithfield livestock site in Shrewsbury Road, on timber firm Richard Burbidge Limited’s land at Whittington Road, and on car firm JT Hughes and guttering firm Guttercrest company’s sites in Victoria Road.

Campaigners have raised concerns about store plans amid fears that they will lead to the closure of the town’s smaller independent shops.

By Chrissy Symmons