Talks due on town development

Planners are to consider plans to build an "iconic" supermarket-led development in Telford town centre over the coming weeks, council bosses said today.

Hark Apollo, which is behind the plans, claims the development will safeguard hundreds of jobs and bring added vitality to the area.

The application to Telford & Wrekin District Council outlines plans for a sustainable, timber-fronted, gateway building into the town centre. It has been designed by international architects Benoy, the company behind Birmingham's Bullring.

No date has yet been set for the council's plans board to consider the plan.

Michael Barker, the council's head of planning, today said: "The planning application for outline permission on the Red Oak Car Park was registered with the council on December 11 and is subject to a determination period of up to 16 weeks. The application will be considered by planning officers during that period.

"This application and another application submitted by Asda to develop land on the council's current Civic Offices site are separate applications, by separate applicants on separate pieces of land. Each will be determined on its merits.

"The Asda application will go to the council's plans board for consideration on January 6."

• A report in yesterday's Shropshire Star incorrectly stated that the plan was to be considered on January 6. The date came from information supplied by Telford & Wrekin Council.