Controversial plans for Sainsbury’s to open a new store in Market Drayton have been given the go-ahead, despite nearly 600 people signing a petition against them.

The supermarket giant, which has been eyeing a site in the town’s Shrewsbury Road, has won planning permission for the scheme which will create up to 25 jobs.

The plans are for a convenience store at the former ATS Euromaster site for “top-up shopping”.

The scheme has been greeted with anger from local business owners who fear it would sound a death knell for other convenience stores.

A petition, signed by 582 people, was submitted on behalf of Maroof Shah, boss of the town’s Costcutter store.

Opponents also fear it would harm the vitality of the town centre and increase the need for extra CCTV.

The application, which was recommended for approval, was decided by Shropshire Council’s North Planning Committee in Wem yesterday.

Councillor Gerald Dakin said: “I think it could be a very useful store, especially for people who want to do basket shopping.”

This view was supported by Councillor David Lloyd, who said: “This does appear to be an ideal use for the building which would be doing the neighbourhood a service.”

But Councillor Pauline Dee said: “I am concerned about the amount of off-street parking and fear that people may end up parking on Shrewsbury Road, which is quite a busy road.

“With parking charges being introduced in Market Drayton after April, people might end up using the new store rather than paying to park in the town centre.”

The proposed opening hours for the shop are 7am to 11pm, including Sundays and bank holidays.

Sainsbury’s is yet to confirm it is the party which is behind the scheme, but an alcohol licence application at the end of last month named it as the retailer behind the plans, ending months of speculation on the future of the site.

By James Pugh