The owners of Telford shopping centre are appealing after their court bid to challenge a decision which gave the go-ahead for a multi-million pound new supermarket in the town was thrown out.

Hark said it was important to appeal after expressing fears about the effect of the Asda development on the town centre and jobs. It follows a decision by Telford & Wrekin Council’s plans board to permit a store to be built at the civic offices site.

But the legal application seeking leave for a judicial review into the plans being approved was refused at a hearing at Birmingham Crown Court. Hark has now appealed that decision.

A Hark spokesman said today: “Hark have voiced their concerns over this application from the outset, specifically regarding the devastating effect it will have on the jobs, small businesses and long-term welfare of Telford town centre.

“In addition to being in apparent breach of both local and national planning policy, Hark believes there were significant flaws in the council’s approval process.

“We have always said we will do whatever is necessary to put the town centre first and judicial review is entirely consistent with that approach. Hark hopes this move will finally ensure the right outcome for Telford.

“We have been pressing for a constructive dialogue with the council for a while and hope to have talks with senior officials soon.”

The council’s plans board had approved the application for the new 44,000 sq ft store in January this year.

Hark also submitted plans of its own to build a £30 million timber-clad building on the Red Oak car park to house a supermarket and other retail units, which has also been approved.

A Telford & Wrekin Council spokesman said it believed the decision to approve the plans was properly and correctly made.

He said: “As this is a matter of continuing legal proceedings, we cannot comment any further on the court case at this stage.”

The spokesman added: “In response to Hark’s comments, the council shares the commitment to do what’s best for the town and believes that the decision to approve Asda’s planning application will create jobs, promote economic success and will be beneficial.”

By Lisa Rowley