Cheers from the public gallery as Westfield Sainsbury's unanimously rejected
Plans to create a Sainsbury's supermarket in Westfield have been unanimously rejected by Bath and North East Somerset Council's planning committee.
Councillors on Bath and North East Somerset Council's development control committee unanimously refused the application for the CFH Total Document site at St Peter's Park.
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Artist's impression - Westfield Sainsbury's
The proposal included a petrol station, a new roundabout on the A367 Wells Road, a cafe and a 470 space car park.
Eight residents spoke against the application, expressing fears for local shops and road safety.
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Councillor Jane Lewis, from Midsomer Norton Town Council said: "Midsomer Norton Town Council welcomes the view to refuse.
"We cannot over emphasise the need to retain the vitality of the town centre.
"It will have a detrimental effect on the high street and independent traders."
George Bailey, from Radstock Action Group, said: "Radstock is threatened by the loss of its town centre shops and heavy traffic going to the store."
Simon Metcalf, speaking on behalf of Sainsbury's said that the supermarket would help the area, creating up to 150 full and part time jobs as well as improving choice in the area.
He said: "The store will improve the food and choice, and it will contribute significantly to the area.
"It will compliment the existing retailers in the area.
"It will not undermine the vitality of the town centre."
Ward councillor Rob Appleyard (Lab, Westfield) spoke in favour of the application.
He said: "I am in support of this application.
"The people of Westfield have been badly served by retail, and now have the opportunity to have a retail unit and choice without having to travel.
"We want somewhere where people can go in and do their full shop.
"It also has a cafe which is something we do not have in Westfield.
"The people of Westfield deserve to have the choice of where to do their shopping."
Councillors voted unanimously to refuse the application, which received cheers from the public gallery.
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