A proposal to build a Sainsbury’s store at Malmesbury Garden Centre was turned down this week by Chippenham town council. The council opted instead to allow a Waitrose store on land nearer the town centre.

Cllr Tony Trotman, who chaired the meeting, said many Malmesbury residents were involved in creating the neighbourhood plan which was in favour of a supermarket in the town.

He said the Sainsbury’s plan was rejected because of the affect its ‘”tremendous amount of non-food square metreage” would have on Malmesbury’s retail scene.

“The Waitrose proposal was half the size and will be situated a four-and-a-half minute walk from the town centre, and a percentage of its car park will be allowed for those shopping in the town,” he said, adding that 300 employers on the High Street supported the plan because it would add ambience and keep shoppers in the town.

The Waitrose application received 189 letters of objection and 505 in support, plus a 41-signature petition of support and a petition with 66 signatures objecting. Sainsbury’s plans had 305 letters of objection and 165 in support.