Sports club hit as Whitchurch Tesco bid is blocked

A decision to refuse planning permission for an out-of-town supermarket in Shropshire was today branded a 'setback' by a sports club which stood to benefit from the development.

Tesco's bid to create a store at Edgeley Park, Whitchurch, was thrown out by planners at Shropshire Council last week amid fears it would kill off town centre trade. The scheme by developers Mercian Developments also included the redevelopment of the town's rugby and hockey club.

Jim Mullock, chairman of Whitchurch Rugby Club, today said they were unsure where it left plans to redevelop the club. He added: "It is disappointing and is a setback. We haven't heard anything from the development company about this but I am sure we will."

A Tesco spokeswoman today said: "We will be considering our options in light of the council's decision and will continue to keep the Whitchurch community updated."