PLANS for an Asda superstore on the outskirts of Cinderford have gone back in front of councillors in a bid to short circuit a challenge by the Co-op.

The scheme for a 50,000 square metre store on Steam Mills Road received planning permission in January but, for a second time, the Co-op mounted a legal challenge to the project.

The application that went before the Forest Council's planning committee on Tuesday was largely the same as the one that received permission.

Where it differed was in being more explicit in explaining the issues on which the Co-op had mounted its challenge.

Although officially a "new" application which the committee could have rejected, it allowed councillors to consider what is effectively the same scheme in light of the points made by the Co-op.

The Co-op has applied for a judicial review of the permission which became active in January on the grounds the plans are "unsound and go against regulations".

The council is defending the decision on the basis that underlying reasons for granting permission are "clear, lawful and compelling".

A report to the committee states: "For the avoidance of doubt the council does not accept that the 2014 permission was unlawful in any of the ways alleged or at all."

If the Co-op's application for a judicial review is granted the result of Tuesday's meeting will be taken into account by the judge.

The council's planning committee took less than 10 minutes to approve the new plans.

Cllr Lynn Sterry said: "Here we go again. My first thought is why is the Co-operative afraid of competition? Competition should not be an issue.

"An Asda store is needed to enhance the regeneration of Cinderford and help the community get back something of what we used to have."