A 30,000sq ft supermarket on the edge of Newport has been rejected by planning chiefs.
Members of Telford & Wrekin Council’s plans board voted unanimously against plans for a foodstore in Audley Avenue on Wednesday night.
Members agreed that a proposal by St Modwen for a larger 50,000sq ft Sainsbury’s on council-owned land in Station Road could be a better option.
But the final decision on the Audley Avenue site is out of the council’s hands because the authority took too long to make a decision.
The final call on the Classic Developments bid will be made by the Planning Inspector at a public appeal in May.
Members were told by planning officers that Station Road would be a more suitable site for a store.
Council planning officer Gareth Thomas said: “We can say with some degree of confidence we will be able to recommend the Station Road site at some future date.”
Newport Town Councillor Tim Nelson said a supermarket could harm the high street. He said: “We do not perceive there is a need for a large store.”
Sean McGrath, on behalf of the applicant, said at least one new supermarket in Newport was inevitable.