THE battle between supermarket giants Tesco and Sainsbury’s to gain control in Ledbury has entered a new stage.

Sainsbury’s has this week submitted plans to build a superstore on the New Mills Industrial Estate – just days after Tesco shelved an application to build a rival store nearby.

The planning application for a Sainsbury’s superstore includes proposals for a petrol station, a cafe and a 270 space car park.

Representatives from the company say the new development will create around 220 jobs for the town.

As part of the deal, local firm Galebreaker, which is currently based on the proposed site, would relocate to a site off the Bromyard Road.

Michael Adenmosun, regional development executive for Sainsbury’s, claimed more than threequarters of respondents to local consultation were in support of the development “Many people who responded said that they would like to see more choice in Ledbury so that they can stay in the town for their main grocery shopping,” he said.

“Our proposals offer local residents an opportunity to do just that, and we look forward to our application being brought before the planning committee in due course.”

Meanwhile, a parish meeting to discuss out of town retail development in Ledbury will be held on Tuesday at 6.30pm in St Katherine’s Hall.