SAINSBURY'S has withdrawn its planning application to build a supermarket on the outskirts of Hayle.

The decision came after proposals for a store at Marsh Lane Industrial Estate were criticised by town councillors and opposed by Angarrack villagers.

The company had hoped to build a supermarket with a 33,000 sq ft sales area, 325-space car park and six-pump petrol station.

A spokesman said the withdrawal would allow the applicants time to consider feedback from statutory bodies and make improvements before resubmitting a second planning application later in the spring.

Suggestions

Jamie Baker, Sainsbury's regional development executive, said: "The consultation process has enabled us to gain valuable feedback from a number of sources.

"We would like to take the time to integrate as many suggestions as possible into the scheme before re-submitting an enhanced application for consideration.

"We believe that Marsh Lane is the best site for a supermarket that is large enough to meet the weekly food shopping needs of Hayle residents.

"We will present the revised plans to residents in both Hayle and Angarrack when the planning application is resubmitted."

Town councillor Graham Coad delivered a damning verdict on the proposals when the plans were considered at a recent meeting.

He said building on an "ecologically valuable marshland" within a flood plain could be the worst possible site in the area.

Councillors voiced further concerns that the store would cause traffic congestion before voting almost unanimously to recommend that Cornwall Council refuse the application.

Jeremy Joslin, chairman of Hayle Chamber of Commerce, who has so far refused to endorse any of the four proposals for stores, said he had been heartened by the news.

"I am pleased that they are prepared to take it away, get it right and bring it back again," he said. "I only wish other developers would do the same and listen to locals rather than attempting to force unpopular plans down people's throats."

The decision to withdraw leaves plans by harbour owners ING for a store on South Quay as the only application due to be considered by planners at an upcoming meeting. But with town councillors objecting, widespread concerns over traffic, and opposition from statutory bodies, it is feared they may also be withdrawn before Cornwall Council is able to consider them.

Formal applications from Asda and Morrisons are yet to be lodged.