£2m Netto store plan is approved

Low cost supermarket Netto has been given the go-ahead to build a £2 million supermarket on the site of a former pub in Telford, creating 20 jobs.

The plan, approved by members of Telford & Wrekin Council's plans board last night, will see the new store, with parking for 33 vehicles, on the site of the former Champion Jockey pub in Donnington.

The pub was demolished in February this year when 70-year-old Allan Baxter, of Wrekin Drive, a former chairman of the now folded Champion Jockey football team, described it as "the end of an era".

Objectors to the plan voiced concerns that small shops in The Parade could suffer as a result of the new store.

But at the plans board meeting last night, Councillor Roger Averley said: "I think the popular store will bring people into The Parade and help shops."

A large willow tree is to be felled as part of plans despite being protected by a tree preservation order.

The application was approved subject to conditions.