Waitrose claims 90% supporting new Shrewsbury store

More than 90 per cent of residents have backed plans for a multi-million pound Waitrose supermarket in Shrewsbury, new figures revealed today.

The retail giant has revealed a consultation on proposals to build the £40 million superstore, garden centre and shopping arcade, 91.6 per cent of residents supported a supermarket off Oteley Road in the town.

About 1,200 people attended a two-day public exhibition in January, with 371 consultation responses received.

Of those, 97 per cent also liked the idea of a new Percy Thrower's Garden Centre and 92 per cent were in favour of the overall scheme.

Results of the consultation, described as 'very strong' by supermarket bosses, were released after plans were lodged this week with Shropshire Council.

The scheme could eventually create more than 270 jo- bs, including about 200 at Waitrose. The supermarket chain wants to demolish the garden centre and build a 60,000 sq ft Percy Thrower's on the site, and a 30,000 sq ft Waitrose superstore.

A parade of seven shops will also be created, as a 'new local centre' for the community as well as the nearby proposed urban extension where the council is planning up to 900 homes.

As part of the development 560 parking spaces, 102 cycle spaces, a new access road off Oteley Road, upgrades to existing roads as well as a pond and public art area will be included. A customer restaurant would be sited in the garden centre and a cafe in the food store.

The plans say the existing garden centre trades well but the buildings are tired and in need of refurbishment. They add: "The plans have been subject to a comprehensive community consultation exercise which demonstrated very strong local support."

To view the proposal go to the council's planning website at http://planning pa.shropshire.gov.uk/online-applications/

By David Seadon