PLANS for a new supermarket in Coleford was refused yesterday (Tuesday) by Forest of Dean District Council's planning committee.

Applicants for Aldi to be built on Tufthorn Avenue said they were disappointed with the recommendation by planning officers to refuse it despite local support.

Among the reasons for refusal were there was a viable alternative site in the town centre and the plans would affect the town.

The results were one abstention, eight voted for refusal, and six against the refusal.

An Aldi spokesperson said: "As requested, we have now demonstrated why the alternative site being suggested by the planning officer is simply not deliverable or a viable solution. The site being suggested has numerous constraints and it would cost an additional £1million to redevelop it. This is simply not achievable." 

Aldi added: "The council has concluded that currently 47 per cent (£14.6million) of expenditure in Coleford is lost elsewhere in neighbouring towns."