PLANS for an Aldi store on the outskirts of Coleford should be refused say Forest planning officers – despite claims it would 'claw back' nearly £6 million in trade for the town.

The scheme went before the Forest Council's planning committee in April but a decision was deferred to give the supermarket company time to present more evidence on the impact of the new store on trade in the town centre.

The company wants to build at Tufthorn Avenue and says sites near Pyart Court are not viable.

Planning officers say the site nearer the town centre is viable and are recommending refusal of the Tufthorn Avenue proposal because of the impact on trade in the town and traffic.

The application will be discussed again by councillors at a meeting of the planning committee next Tuesday (July 14).

A retail study by the council found Coleford loses £14.6 million worth of trade with a quarter going to Lydney and 18 per cent outside the Forest.

Of that £5.9 million could be clawed back by the Aldi proposal, councillors will be told.

There is also widespread support from residents and from Coleford Town Council.