DEVELOPERS have launched an appeal against the refusal of plans for a Marks and Spencer foodhall at Leamington Shopping Park.
Standard Life Investments has appealed Warwick District Council’s decision in December to deny plans for three retail units including the foodhall.
Leamington’s Business Improvement District (BID) and Leamington Chamber of Trade both objected arguing the green-light would impact trade in the town centre.
The council also received several letters of support for the application, saying extra shops were needed to cope with the growing population and the extra jobs would also be welcomed.
Despite this, councillors refused plans on the grounds the shops would cause ‘unacceptable harm to the vitality and viability of town centres within the district’ and also raised concerns about traffic congestion and parking.
The appeal will be considered once comments and representations have been received.
