PROPOSALS for a major supermarket on the outskirts of Cinderford have been passed – for the fourth time – by the Forest council.

The owner of Trilogy Developments, Patrick Stones, said he awaits a response from the Secretary of State and challenges, if any, submitted by the Midcounties Co-op before looking for a new retailer.

He said: “Once full planning permission has been granted we will be in a position to start the process of looking for a new retailer. Although Asda withdrew its contract (with us) last year due to uncertainty, I have spoken to them recently and they say they are still very much interested in the site.

“The store is a preferential choice as it is what people want and it has supported us – I’d offer them first refusal.”

Previous successful challenges made by the Midcounties Co-operative regarding flaws in the information put to councillors have halted plans for a store at Steam Mills.

A spokesperson acting on behalf of the applicant said it hoped that either the Co-op didn’t challenge this time; or the Co-op’s challenges aren’t given permission to proceed.

Chairman of the Cinderford Regeneration Board, Cllr Graham Morgan fears the Midcounties Co-op will continue to stall plans.

He said: “No doubt the Co-op will appeal the decision but I think the fact people of Cinderford are already voting with their feet and shopping elsewhere proves it has no local support.

“There was not a soul in the public gallery of the council chambers and that’s because residents are fed up to the back teeth of the agro. All people want is choice and I believe the Co-op in Cinderford should be penalised for stifling trade.

“We have been told technical aspects of the application have been checked by barristers this time, which should hopefully prevent the Co-op’s legal representatives identifying any flaws.”

Permission for the store was quashed by High Court Judges in 2013, 2014 and last year.

In May 2015 Mr Justice Singh quashed permission on two of the five grounds put forward by the Co-op.

He believed that officers had failed to fully explain there was a risk that the Co-op might close its Cinderford store and that a number of ‘planning obligations’ should not be taken into account when deciding to grant permission.

Cllr Morgan added: “The application has been held for delegated permission to see if the Secretary of State will call it in. The Co-op argues a new store will have an (adverse) impact on the town centre but I would say the damage has already been done.

“I fear the Co-op will continue halting plans.”

The new store could see 200 new jobs created, £20 million in private sector investment, more competition and opportunities for apprenticeships.