Shropshire Star

Council appeal over Newport store bid is criticised

Telford & Wrekin Council was today accused of "wasting taxpayers' money" after the authority announced it will launch a second appeal over a new superstore in Newport.

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Last week the council lost a high court appeal over a government decision to allow a Morrisons store to be built off Audley Avenue.

The council says it is objecting to the plans because of the lack of developer contribution towards highway works.

The first appeal cost the taxpayer about £50,000 and the second appeal is likely to rack up a similar bill.

That figure is on top of the hundreds of thousands of pounds the council has already spent in supporting the proposed Sainsbury's at Station Road at a public inquiry.

In total, the council has budgeted £1.5 million for legal fees surrounding supermarkets in Newport.

David Parker, the chairman of the Save Newport Campaign, which was formed to fight supermarkets and new houses in the town, today accused the council of spending public money to promote one supermarket over another.

Telford & Wrekin Council will net £21 million in land sales if the Sainsbury's plan for Station Road goes ahead.

Mr Parker said: "It is a waste of taxpayers' money."

Telford & Wrekin Council spokesman Nigel Newman said: "The appeal stage so far has cost around £50,000 and while we can't say for certain, we would expect the second appeal to cost a similar amount."

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