Supermarket developers told to pay £750,000

Developers are being asked to pay out more than £750,000 to get the go-ahead for a new supermarket complex in Telford town centre, it was revealed today.

Telford & Wrekin Council's plans board is being recommended to grant outline permission for the proposed £30 million supermarket on Red Oak Car Park.

The scheme includes the building of associated shops or offices but the councillors are being asked to impose a condition that developers Hark contribute £658,675 towards major highways works in connection with the project.

It is further recommended that Hark should stump up £100,000 for public artwork on the site and £10,000 to ensure the conditions are monitored and carried out.

Asda, which is currently based in the town centre but has got planning permission to move out to the borough council's Malinslee House civic offices site, has objected to Hark's proposals.

A report to next Wednesday's plans board meeting says Asda has voiced a number of concerns over the plan, notably its impact on their store and that plans for car parking are not sufficiently explained in the proposal.

Members of the plans board will also hear that the Highways Agency has lodged a "holding objection" ahead of getting further information to ensure the plan meets its guidelines.

The plans board is recommended, subject to the removal of the Highways Agency objection, to grant outline planning permission for Hark's proposal, which also includes a reconfigured petrol filling station, car parking and associated landscaping, access and servicing arrangements.

But members are recommended to seek the agreement of certain conditions.