Plans for a Waitrose store in Sandwich have been recommended for refusal.

The Sandwich Town Council put forward its opposition at the meeting on Monday night and voted for the planning application to be refused.

The 18,000 square feet supermarket which would be situated on Dover Road was opposed by the town council on grounds of traffic and visual impact.

Speaking at the meeting, Cllr John Bragg said: “We must strongly oppose this, the look of Sandwich will change very dramatically if that is built, to have a large car park there, it’s the wrong place altogether for it.

“I don’t believe that the developer has suggested any solution and the serious traffic problems that already exist in that area have not been addressed.”

Cllr Joe Trussler added: “Any traffic coming out of there would have to turn right and go up to the roundabout. I think Highways need to consider this.”

Cllr Susan Laslett explained that a report looking into whether another supermarket is needed in Sandwich is due to be completed in June. However, she explained that a decision on the application is due to be made by March.

She added: “It seems to me this is a ridiculous situation, we’ve had a public consultation and a government inspector come to look but all that will be ignored as the applications are being put in before the report is received.

“We must strongly oppose this, the look of Sandwich will change very dramatically if that is built."- Cllr John Bragg.

“To make a decision before this is ludicrous.”

The Waitrose development by Kimberley aims to bring 150 new jobs to the area and will also include a new premises for The Butchery Doctors Surgery and pharmacy.

The application will now be sent to the district council to make its decision.

A spokesman for Waitrose said: “We are disappointed to learn that Sandwich Town Council has changed their minds.

“Nearly 1,200 local residents responded to our public consultation with 945 (81%) supporting plans to bring Waitrose to Sandwich. Overwhelming support has also been lodged with Dover District Council’s planning authority.

“The site remains the only available and viable location as close to the town centre as possible.”

For the full story read this week's East Kent Mercury.