PLANS for a second Asda store in the Forest will be considered by councillors next week – and they will be asked to "clarify" their reasons for giving the go-ahead to Sainsbury's.

Asda – who were given permission last month for a store in Cinderford – is seeking the go-ahead for a 3,827 square metre store with petrol station on the JD Norman site, formerly Federal Mogul, in Lydney.

The Forest Council's planning committee meets next Tuesday (November 12) and officials are recommending the proposal is refused.

The scheme for a Sainsbury's store at Naas Lane, Lydney, which was approved last month, will also be back before the committee to ensure the five reasons for approval given by councillors were sound.

The development would be a "departure" from policy and permission cannot be given until Secretary of State for Communities Eric Pickles has said he does not want to look at it.

Although councillors are not obliged to follow professional advice, officials have warned that two of the reasons "should not be relied on".

In giving Sainsbury's the go-ahead councillors said it would encourage more people to visit Lydney town centre.

A report going to the committee next Tuesday states "the evidence presented to members does not support this conclusion...There is no clear correlation between this out-of-centre store and encouragement for more people to visit Lydney town centre."

There is also concern about claiming that it could reduce congestion at the junction of High Street and Bream Road.

Officials say it would be fair to say the store would reduce the amount of traffic on High Street but it would be unreasonable to conclude that the junction would operate better.

Speaking about the rival plans for the JD Norman site, Philip Bartram, senior property communications manager for Asda said : "We have worked closely with JD Norman on a comprehensive scheme that will bring substantial, long term benefits to Lydney and the local area.

"This includes the creation of brand new jobs for local people, the securing of existing jobs, greater choice and competition for local shoppers and the regeneration of a key local site."

He added: "It has been very pleasing to note that these benefits have been clearly recognised by the local community, with tremendous support for the plans being shown. Around 90 per cent of people expressing a view have been supportive and we very much hope this strength of feeling will be reflected in the planning committee's decision next week.

In the meantime, I would like to thank all our supporters for taking the time to register their views."