Boos from protesters as Sainsbury's Newport store wins backing

Planning chiefs have backed controversial plans for a Sainsbury's supermarket in Newport – but have referred the matter to the Secretary of State.

However, the application for a 50,000 sq ft supermarket next to Station Road will go ahead, subject to conditions, should the Secretary of State decide not to call it in.

More than 130 angry objectors jeered and booed last night as members of Telford & Wrekin's plans board voted in favour of the proposal by developers St Modwen.

Sainsbury's has said the new store would create up to 400 jobs, bringing a 'major financial boost' to the area, and also create more choice for shoppers.

Acting on the advice of planning officers, councillors voted by a majority of six to three to approve the application and send it to the Government department for consideration.

Before the development can be built, the supermarket giant will have to stump up more than £1.5 million to pay for upgrades to roads and public transport.

The decision was met with anger from not just residents and local traders, but also rival supermarket firms Waitrose and Co-op – the latter saying the application could see them leave the town.

Mark Saunders, from the Co-op, said: "If this scheme goes ahead we would have to look very seriously as to whether we will continue trading in Newport."

David Parker, spokesman for the Save Newport campaign, said: "This is no less than we expected. The fight continues."