£10 million supermarket plan shock in Shrewsbury

Plans were today unveiled for a new £10 million out-of-town supermarket in Shrewsbury – which could create up to 200 new jobs if it gains permission.

Outline plans have been submitted for the food store on land off Hereford Road in Meole Brace, next to the existing BP Garage.

The scheme would involve the relocation of EA Downes MOT garage, currently on the site, to purpose-built premises elsewhere on site. Other businesses including a vehicle sales and rental company and a hand car wash business will also relocate.

The applicants, Cheshire-based developers Morbaine Ltd, have been in talks with the council since October.

Bosses say the preferred operator is likely to be 'one of the big four' retail giants like Tesco, Sainsbury's, Asda or Morrisons.

If approved, the supermarket will create about 180 full and part-time jobs and could also lead to another 50 indirect jobs created locally.

Graham Adams, Morbaine development director said: "It will be an investment of up to £10m and there is an acknowledged need for another food store in Shrewsbury's southern boundary. We believe our site is ideally linked to the nearby residential area and existing infrastructure such as public transport provision."