Anti-Sainsbury's campaign waits for legal news
A campaign group trying to block plans for a Sainsbury's supermarket is planning to wait for a top judge to rule on another store in the same town before deciding its next move.
The Save Newport Campaign Group was formed in response to plans for a 50,000sq ft Sainsbury's in Station Road, on greenfield land owned by Telford & Wrekin Council.
A public inquiry over the scheme, put forward by St Modwen and backed by the council, was due to take place in January.
However, a planning inspector has ruled that the inquiry will not go ahead until a Court of Appeal hearing over a Morrisons, which has been given permission to build on brownfield land in Audley Avenue, has taken place.
This approval is being challenged by Telford & Wrekin Council and St Modwen.
Telford & Wrekin stands to gain £21 million in land sales if the Sainsbury's development goes ahead.
The hearing will take place in the Royal Courts of Justice in the City of Westminster on January 21 or 22.
Campaign group member and town and borough councillor Adrian Meredith said members were ready to react as soon as the result of the hearing is announced, probably about six weeks after it has taken place.
Councillor Meredith said: "We can't do anything now until we hear the result of the Morrisons High Court hearing.
"That governs our next move. If Morrisons is successful, which we think they will be, it could be the end of the Station Road plans. I can't see Court of Appeal judges going against the previous ruling of another judge and a planning inspector.
"We have barristers in place if the Sainsbury's inquiry goes ahead. We are ready to act when required."
