PLANS for a new Tesco supermarket in Ross-on- Wye have been refused council permission.

The retail giant targeted a site off Overross Street which, it said, would have created around 175 jobs and 307 car park spaces.

Tesco also said £450,000 was set aside to cover highways improvements, with £225,000 allocated to invest in projects in the town.

However, a majority of councillors turned down the plan.

“What puts Ross ahead of the game is that it still has that vital town centre that people want to visit because it is an experience,” said Councillor Mark Hubbard.

Ninety-four letters of objection were also received by the council.

Case officer Andrew Banks recommended refusal because the applicant “failed to demonstrate that the proposal would not have an adverse impact on the town centre”.

Cllr Felicity Norman agreed with Mr Banks’ assessment.

“Supermarkets have a savage impact on town centres,” she said.

However, Tesco did have the support of 71 people who submitted letters to the council. It also gained the backing of Ross Town Council.

Simon Petar, corporate affairs manager at Tesco, said he was disappointed the proposal had been refused.

“It is a big missed opportunity,” he said.