Rival Market Drayton superstore bids to go under spotlight
A Shropshire supermarket war could take a major twist next week when two rival applications are discussed at a meeting.
Shropshire Council is due to talk about plans for Sainsbury's and Tesco stores in Market Drayton.
Sainsbury's wants to build a supermarket at the Vicon Work Industrial Estate, off the A53.
It has submitted a full planning application to build a store which would create 200 jobs.
But an outline application has been submitted by Danbank Developments Ltd to build a Tesco superstore on green land next to Greenfields Lane.
Both applications will be discussed by the council's north planning committee at a meeting on Tuesday in Shirehall, Shrewsbury, from 2pm.
Sue Durber, who lives by the proposed Tesco site, said: "I am very pleased that both supermarkets are on the agenda.
"I am also pleased it recommends Sainsbury's is accepted and Danbank is rejected. In two to three days we collected more than 400 signatures for a petition from people who are opposed to Danbank."
A decision by Shropshire Council to defer the items from the committee's October meeting sparked anger from supporters of the Sainsbury's bid. The council said it made the decision to delay the talks after receiving new information from Danbank Developments Ltd.
Jo Hawley, Sainsbury's regional development surveyor, said: "If approved, our superstore on the Vicon Industrial Works site would provide residents with an improved food shopping offer and give the town a welcome economic boost, creating around 200 full and part-time job opportunities."
Andrew Price, on behalf of Danbank Developments, said: "If at next Tuesday's meeting the committee approve the Vicon Works site and refuse the Greenfields Lane proposals, a huge opportunity to improve the sporting facilities of Market Drayton will have been missed."
A report prepared by Shropshire Council's planning officers said: "There is sufficient capacity within Market Drayton to sustain another food store similar in size to the two proposed at Vicon Works and Greenfields Lane.
"Benefits of increased competition and choice could be achieved and there will be an element of trade clawed back from shoppers travelling out of Market Drayton."
