'Crazy' Shrewsbury supermarket decision blasted

Councillor Kath Owen criticised a decision by a planning inspector to allow the store to be built at the back of the BP garage in Meole Brace, Shrewsbury, and said it was something the area did not need.

It comes after the inspector accepted an appeal and overturned a decision to refuse permission for developers Morbaine to build the supermarket off Hereford Road. Members of Shropshire Council had rejected the plans on two previous occasions.

The area is already served by Sainsbury's on Meole Brace Retail Park and Asda on Old Potts Way, while a new Waitrose store will be built on land at Percy Thrower's Garden Centre.

But Morbaine has claimed there would be demand for the new 21,000 sq ft store proposed and planning inspector Mark Dakeyne ruled the Sainsbury's and Asda stores were "over-trading".

It is still not known which supermarket chain would occupy the new outlet.

Councillor Owen, who represents Meole Brace on Shrewsbury Town Council, said: "This is crazy. This area is being destroyed - and it was a beautiful area once. It is a shame for something we just don't need.

"It is similar to Harlescott, that used to be a beautiful but now it is just full of development - and that is what is happening here in Meole.

"I have never seen so many houses up for sale in Meole, and I am sure it's because of over development.

"We already have a nearby Asda, Waitrose, Sainsbury's and Co-ops and this is just not needed. We can only spend so much money and something will be affected.

"I am feeling quite despondent.

"We have been through the planning process and its been rejected, but all it seems is that these people have to appeal and they will get their way."

Councillor Owen also raised concerns about the traffic in the area as there will be an increase of cars in an already busy area.

She said: "When you cross the roads there it is already like taking your life into your own hands.

"Can you imagine what it will be like when they put a store there?

"I can't even begin to think what is going to happen. If you go there now at 4pm or 5pm it is gridlock and that isn't going to get any better."

In his report, Mr Dakeyne said: "Most of the trade diversion would come from other out-of-centre foodstores, particularly Sainsbury's at Meole Brace and Asda at Old Potts Way. Both stores are estimated to be over-trading."

Co-op, which has stores at Radbrook Green and in Oakfield Road, claims the development would take 25 per cent of its business, although this has been disputed by the applicants.