FOUR separate developments of new shopping facilities have hit the news this week - and all for different reasons. Two separate rows have erupted over the development of a new Asda supermarket in Lydney and the defferal of a hearing into the planning application for the new Sainsbury's store in the town, after the council required more time to examine new information, while the stalled public inquiry into the development of a new Tesco store in Coleford is due to re-start on June 5.

Plans to build a new Sainsbury's store on Crump Farm, Naas Lane, in Lydney were put on hold on Tuesday – as the Forest of Dean District Council's planners cancelled discussion of the application.

The Sainsbury's planning application was the subject of a request from the council for further information in support of their planning application, which was delivered on Monday – but the council decided that it would defer judgement on the application, while they examined the new information.

A spokesman for Sainsbury's and Hitchins, the developers, told us that the meeting had been closed early - while they wanted more time to study the new documents. He also said that the prospective date for the resumption of their deliberations would be June 11.

Meanwhile, Lydney Town Council were also mystified by the postponement of the meeting. Jayne Smailes, chief executive officer, said: "Cllr Bill Osborne was due to speak at this meeting - but that has been held back. Perhaps the delay here is about the greenfield or brownfield site options that are available for a new supermarket by Lydney. We would prefer to support the development on brownfield."

Coincidentally, Lydney Town Council had issued a press release on Tuesday which laid out their further objections to the proposed store: "Council feel that the creation of an out of town supermarket (Neighbourhood Centre) is in contravention to the sustainability of the town centre. The proposal will further add to the traffic and pollution problems which are already experienced in the town."

They also highlighted the complex traffic problems that the development could generate, and also objected strongly to the Sainsbury's proposal to create a new 'village green' near the store, as it would contravene the council's Neighbourhood Development Plan.

Meanwhile supermarket giants Asda have submitted a new planning application - this time for a new superstore on the outskirts of Lydney.

The proposed new store would be part of a new complex of buildings on the site, including a new factory for Federal Mogul, who occupy the adjacent site to the proposed supermarket. The developers have said that, should their application be successful, then the new store would create up to 250 new jobs. They hope to begin construction of the store this year.

Senior Property Communications Manager for Asda, Oliver Jones, commented: "We've been really pleased with the positive response from the local community. The decision is now in the hands of the Forest of Dean District Council but I am confident that the councillors will consider the importance of supporting jobs within the Forest.

"There has been significant interest in the jobs that would be available as well as support for wider shopping choice in Lydney. Throughout the consultation period we've had some really useful feedback – particularly from the town council, and we hope that our application reflects this advice."

Federal Mogul has expressed support for the developer's proposed site plan and says that the new building will help to ensure its on-going competitiveness.

Brian Roderick, plant manager at Federal-Mogul said: The application is a great opportunity for us to add a modern facility that will help us continue to deliver world-class automotive components for our customers worldwide."