Fury as Market Drayton supermarket decision is postponed
Protestors have been out in force after talks on plans for two rival supermarkets in a Shropshire town were postponed.
Shropshire Council was yesterday due to discuss plans to create a new Sainsbury's and Tesco store in Market Drayton, but has decided to defer the talks until a later date.
The decision has sparked anger from residents who support the Sainsbury's bid and who are fed up that a decision has yet to be made on the applications.
More than 20 made their feelings known by protesting by the proposed Tesco site armed with placards yesterday.
Several of them also protested outside Edinburgh House in Wem – where the council's north planning committee was due to discuss the plans.
The council said it made the decision to delay the talks after receiving new information from Danbank Developments – the company which wants to create a Tesco store on Greenfields Lane.
Planning officers at Shropshire Council had recommended approval for a rival Sainsbury's store at the Vicon Work Industrial Estate, and recommended the Tesco store be refused.
Protester John Wood, who overlooks the proposed Tesco site, said: "I am less than pleased, I would even say angry.
"I can't see a single reason why they would accept this site over the Sainsbury's site. My plan is to write the chief executive of Shropshire Council and give them my opinion." Sue Durber, who lives by the proposed site, said: "It's absolute madness.
"Danbank seems to be slow in providing their information. It has led to the town council being delayed in making their decision and Shropshire Council being delayed in making theirs."
Callum McLagan, spokesman for Shropshire Council, said: "The decision to defer has arisen further to the receipt of two letters from solicitors acting on behalf of the Danbank scheme received late last week about which the council has taken legal advice in respect of the content.
"It is evident as a result of this that further information is required in respect of one of the proposals, in order to ensure full and robust decisions in respect of both schemes."
