Councillors stand firm on Newport Sainsbury's store despite protests
Councillors are standing by their decision to allow a controversial supermarket to be built in Newport despite protests from residents.
More than 50 people turned out last night to protest against the proposed Sainsbury's store on a greenfield site in Station Road, Newport.
At the meeting, members of Telford & Wrekin Council's plans board agreed its position in preparation for a public inquiry which will be held in January.
The committee approved the scheme earlier this year by a majority vote but the decision was called-in after protesters wrote to the Secretary of State.
Residents complained the scheme as it is on a greenfield site used as a paddock and local firms are concerned about its effect on the town's High Street.
Councillor Paul Evans, from Church Aston Parish Council, said residents were particularly annoyed as permission has already been granted for another supermarket on brownfield land at Audley Avenue.
"An independent inspector has allowed the brownfield development at Audley Avenue but the council maintains this will have a detrimental effect on Newport while claiming a much larger development on a greenfield site at Station Road will not," he said.
But Councillor Gilly Reynolds said she stood by the plans board's decision. She said: "I don't think it will have that big an impact."
Members accepted the report, which will go to the inquiry, on a majority vote.
