Plans for two new supermarkets in Mansfield, Nottinghamshire, have been given the go-ahead by local councillors.
On Monday, Mansfield District Council approved an application from Sainsburys to knock down its current store on Nottingham Road and build a much larger supermarket at the nearby Boneham and Turner engineering works site.
The green light was also given for a new Aldi branch to be built at the same location, and it was confirmed that car parking for both of the new stores will be provided through the existing Sainsbury’s site.
Planning officers had recommended that the plans be dismissed due to concerns the supermarkets would have a negative impact on town centre retailers.
But councillors voted in favour after concluding that the creation of new jobs would be good for the town.
Mansfield District Council’s portfolio holder for regeneration, Councillor Kate Allsop, added that a consultation had shown the majority of the public supported the Sainsbury’s expansion.
“The supermarket will offer a lot of choice…people want a good retail experience,” Ms Allsop said.
