SUPERMARKET giant Tesco’s withdrawal of plans for a new store on the outskirts of Royal Wootton Bassett was welcomed by residents after months of protests.

Leda Properties Limited and Tesco Stores Limited first showed an interest in developing the site west of the Marsh Farm Hotel, on land which is in the parish of Lydiard Tregoze, last February.

But proposals to build a 2,800 square metre supermarket, 320 new homes, a community hub of up to 500 square metres and a senior living development of 33 units alongside public open spaces and landscaping fiercely divided opinion in the town.

Many residents, including members of the Royal Wootton Bassett Say No To Tesco At Marsh Farm campaign, listed numerous reasons for their opposition to the plans, including fears it would damage the character of the town, was contrary to the regulations of the local plan and was unnecessary at the present time.

James Ray, who established the Say No To Tesco At Marsh Farm campaign Facebook page, said: “We think it’s great news for the campaign and for Wootton Bassett that Tesco have withdrawn their application.

"As we’ve said all along the development isn’t right for the town. At the same time we are sorry for Tesco, and to hear they’ve had to close some stores, we haven’t got anything against them, the development just wasn’t right for here. It’s in that respect that we’re pleased.”

Much of the debate around whether the new store would be a positive improvement to the town or not revolved around the impact it would have on the High Street.

Hazel Newson, chairman of the Royal Wootton Bassett Business Association, said: “As when plans to build a new store and 300 houses were first announced, we expect a mixed reaction to this news.

"Some businesses saw an opportunity to bring increased footfall to our High Street, while others were concerned about the risk that Tesco would draw customers away.

"We will be watching to see what happens to the site now and if the new homes will go ahead.”

At a packed meeting to discuss the planning application last September town councillors unanimously voted against the plans, and their withdrawal has been welcomed by the planning committee.

Town councillor and planning committee member Chris Wannell said: “I am pleased about the fact that Tesco are not going to develop the site at Marsh Farm as we have always opposed it as any development on the outskirts of the town would decimate our High Street.

“However, we are not out of the woods yet as the development for the homes and community hub is from Leda properties, and a decision has yet to be taken on that by the planning committee at Wiltshire Council. So we must remain vigilant.”

Chris Hurst, Wiltshire Councillor for Royal Wootton Bassett South, was also pleased with the outcome, saying many of the towns businesses would recieve the news with relief.

He said: "I welcome the announcement and it will also be a great relief to many of the independent shopkeepers in the town. The High Street is the centre of the Wootton Bassett community and it is vital that it is protected."

The news was also welcomed by North Wiltshire MP, James Gray, who was among the cohort of interested parties opposed to the plans since Tesco first showed an interest in the site.

It is unknown at this stage whether Leda Properties Limited will also withdraw their part of the application.

Yesterday Tesco announced that despite a successful Christmas, depleting profit margins meant the supermarket would close 43 stores nationally, and have withdrawn some plans for new stores elsewhere – including Royal Wootton Bassett.

A planned Tesco store at Calne will be built, the company said yesterday.