Whitchurch town mayor Councillor Tony Neville believes his organisation was left isolated by Shropshire Council’s decision not to provide representations in an appeal by Aldi.

The plans for the Wrexham Road site were dismissed by the unitary authority last year but at an appeal at Shirehall in Shrewsbury yesterday (Tuesday), a solicitor from Shropshire Council told the hearing they would not be making any representations against the appeal.

Cllr Neville said he was extremely disappointed and feels the site will cause problems for the town centre and cause traffic chaos.

“It’s very disappointing that Shropshire Council didn’t object,” he said. “We don’t not want an Aldi here, just not on that site as it will cause chaos in Wrexham Road.

“It’s sad that the council were left isolated – we were expecting a lot more people to object at the appeal.

“I can only hope that the inspector sees for himself at the site visit the potential for accidents left, right and centre.

“Businesses in Whitchurch will be impacted badly by this.”

Aldi said the store would not have a detrimental impact on the town centre and its opening would create 40 jobs.

Although a decision will not be made by planning inspectorate Hayden Baugh-Jones until a later date, the hearing means the path is now clear for the chain to be give approval.

Sarah Reid, a solicitor for Shropshire Council, said the decision was made to refuse the plans last year on the basis that it would have a detrimental effect on town centre businesses and the landscape.

Rival supermarket Lidl also voiced concerns that it would have to close its store in the town should the plans be given the go ahead.

But the council is now satisfied that would not be the case and withdrew its chance to give evidence to the appeal.

Anthony Crean QC, for Aldi, said: “It has been very helpful for the authority to act now. It is a quirk of the planning appeal system that the hearing continues.

“There has been a very large amount of consultation and engagement with the public and there has been widespread public support for the plans.

“Even Shropshire Council has acknowledged the benefits.

“There is a need for a food store in Whitchurch given the growing population and the benefits far outweigh the harm.”

Mr Crean added: “The Lidl objection is very much reduced. Lidl provided secret information to the council, we say exaggerating the impact on their business. Lidl would not close because of these plans being given permission and even if it did this could no be classed as impact on the town centre.”

But Councillor Beverley Duffy, of Whitchurch Town Council, said it would be “unacceptable” for the development to get the go ahead.

“This is totally unacceptable because of the location it is in,” she said.

“It’s green, open countryside and the gateway to the town. The plans have no reflection on the rural location.”

A site visit will now be carried out by the inspector before a final decision is announced later this year.