Controversial Newport supermarket plans go to public inquiry

Controversial plans to build a giant supermarket in Newport will go to a public inquiry, it was revealed today after minister Eric Pickles stepped in.

Mr Pickles, secretary of state for communities and local government, has 'called-in' the application by developers St Modwen for a Sainsbury's supermarket on green land next to Station Road.

The proposal, which was granted approval by Telford & Wrekin Council in April, will now be decided at the inquiry later this year.

In a letter to Telford & Wrekin Council the minister took the unusual step of calling in the application after deciding it may 'conflict with national policies on important matters'.

Permission for the store, which will net Telford & Wrekin Council £21 million in land sales, was granted by the local authority in April despite strong objections from locals.

A council spokesperson, said: "The secretary of state has told us that he is calling in the Station Road supermarket planning application, as he can do with any such planning application. This is likely to lead to a public inquiry."

MP for the Wrekin, Mark Pritchard, who fought the supermarket application in Westminster said: "I am very pleased that the secretary of state has listened to my strong representations and the representations of many others in Newport and beyond.

"The frequency of call-ins has reduced dramatically under this government so this really is a breakthrough."