Telford & Wrekin Council to appeal on Morrisons ruling

Telford & Wrekin Council is to launch a legal challenge against a decision to allow a garden centre in Newport to be converted into a Morrisons supermarket.

Earlier this month the planning inspectorate ruled that Mere Park Garden Centre should be allowed to sell any goods it wanted, paving the way for the building to be converted into a supermarket, creating about 200 jobs.

But the council today announced that it will launch an expensive High Court challenge against the decision which would see a 20,000sq ft store on the site.

Michael Barker, the council's assistant director for planning, said: "As a result, this matter will not be concluded until the appeals process is resolved.

"We are confident in our original decision to refuse the certificate."

David Brierley, the developer behind the Mere Park conversion, said the council was desperate to see a much larger Sainsbury's supermarket on council-owned land in Station Road go-ahead.

He added that the appeal would not stop him from progressing with his own scheme.

"I am not surprised at all," said Mr Brierley.

"It is a desperate act by a desperate council. The Mere Park store asks huge questions about their Sainsbury's scheme.

"It will take a long time to get to court. We have the decision and we are carrying on with the project."

Planning chiefs are considering the 50,000sq ft Sainsbury's scheme at the Civic Offices, tonight at 6pm.

Protesters in Newport have campaigned agains the development, claiming it will destroy trade for smaller and independent shops in the town.