SAINSBURY’S plans to build an out-of-town superstore in Saffron Walden have been rejected.

The decision was released by the Government’s Planning Inspectorate today (Thursday May 17) - it means the supermarket giant will not be allowed to build on a site in Thaxted Road.

Sainsbury’s had made two appeals: one against Uttlesford District Council’s decision to reject proposals on its original application in December 2010; the second for non-determination of its revised application for a store 20 per cent smaller in size than the original.

Both appeals were dismissed by Christina Downes, of the Planning Inspectorate, who said the new store “would have a significant adverse impact on the vitality, viability and retail function of the town centre”.

More to follow...