Developers clashing over rival Shrewsbury store bids

Separate proposals to create new stores in Hereford Road, Meole Brace and the Meole Brace retail park have both been lodged with Shropshire Council.

Representatives for LaSalle Investment Management, who are behind the retail park plans, have put in an official objection to the Hereford Road scheme, which has recently been revised in an attempt to ensure the proposals are given the go-ahead.

Mark Saunders, an associate partner for NJL Consulting, writing on behalf of LaSalle Investment Management, said the retail park has better transport links, as well as existing businesses operating from the site.

But officials from Morbaine Limited, who are developing the Hereford Road plans, have hit back by claiming their site is more suitable for serving local residents.

Mr Saunders said: "Meole Brace is suitable for expansion and enhancement and should be considered the primary location for out-of-centre retail development above all others.

"The retail park is a highly accessible retail destination and is an established part of the catchment's shopping patterns.

"The mixture of retail uses on the site actively encourages linked trips and is a more sustainable option for development than other standalone out-of-centre locations."

The statement, sent to Shropshire Council planners, added: "In terms of serving the local area, the Hereford Road site is better positioned to provide a neighbourhood convenience offer to the residential communities to the north either side of Hereford Road than would a new foodstore at the retail park, which is further from the Shrewsbury urban area, being more related to a wider catchment and to the A5 approaches."

Both of the plans are in addition to a £40 million development on the nearby Oteley Road which will include the building of a new Waitrose. That proposal was given the green light by councillors last June.