LEOMINSTER town councillors have backed a proposal for a new superstore in Leominster – providing objections from Network Rail are resolved.
 

The town council’s planning committee met on May 7 to give their verdict on the plan to build a Sainsbury’s store on Mill Street, which will be 50,000 sq ft with 500 car parking spaces.
 

Network Rail opposed the development due to the proposed store’s location being too close to the town’s level crossing and the friends of Leominster town action group say they are “extremely disappointed” with the town council’s decision.
 

Spokeswoman Joan Thwaites said: "We thank those councillors who supported our position, but we are angry that the majority turned their backs on the town centre and let down Leominster.
 

“They do not appear to have taken into account a large number of objections from businesses, residents and bodies like Leominster Civic Society, some of which were very detailed.
 

"The councillors went against their own policies. Last year they adopted the Leominster parish plan which supported the ‘town centres first' policy and stated no additional supermarkets were needed as the town already has three."
 

The Sainsbury’s complex at Mill Street also includes planning for a petrol station, cafe and an online shopping transport depot.
 

Network Rail said increased traffic flow over an automated half-barrier level crossing near the development site is unacceptable because it would increase risk of accidents.
 

Councillors voted 6-2 in favour of the plan, adding a rider that the railway crossing safety issue must be resolved.
 

Ms Thwaites said objectors would now concentrate on Herefordshire Council which will make the final decision on the plan.
 

Traders and residents have an opportunity to discuss the town council’s decision to support the Mill Street superstore development at the annual town meeting next week.
 

Ms Thwaites said: “The meeting will be an opportunity for the councillors to explain their planning committee's decision –because many people are baffled by it.
 

"The Mill Street proposal would be a gigantic 'one-stop-shop' development.

There is no evidence to support the applicant's claim that customers would walk into the town centre after doing their shopping to do more shopping and then carry goods back to their cars.
 

"Reduced footfall in the town centre would hit businesses of all kinds and would most certainly result in closures. What were the town councillors thinking of when they made their decision? Why didn't they abide by the policy of the parish plan they adopted last year? Can they please explain?"