CONTROVERSIAL plans to build a foodstore in Sale Moor have been halted after the leader of the council refused to sell the land to the developer.

Trafford Council confirmed today that Cllr Sean Anstee has rejected an offer from a developer to buy land in Sale Moor.

The council confirmed the offer was from a developer who proposed to build a small supermarket on land incorporating Warrener Street car park.

The offer was rejected on the basis that it ‘does not represent best value’.

A spokesperson for the council said: “This is the only formal decision members have been asked to consider at any time in relation to this proposal.

“The council will now review options for development and will consult further with the local community on an options appraisal to be brought forward in 2016/17.

“No planning application for development on this site has been received.”

An application to build a food store was to be submitted by Kirkland Developments by the end of the year. The developers were proposing to build the store on the site of the IMO car wash, Warrener Street car park and 26a Marsland Road.

The plans have come up against strong opposition from both traders and residents.

Campaigners collected 1500 signatures opposing the proposal, staged a protest outside the public consultation and created a short campaign film highlighting the impact the store would have on trade and village life.

Speaking about today’s announcement, Robert Downes, from the Federation of Small Businesses, said: “This is probably the best early Christmas present Trafford Council could have given the traders of Sale Moor. The village is one of the remaining shopping destinations where there’s a fantastic mix of independent retailers with very few if any empty units.

“It should not escape the notice of Trafford Council or indeed any other local authority following this story that this success is largely built on free car parking and no large supermarket presence trading from the centre.

“We applaud Trafford Council’s decision and now look forward to hearing their alternative proposals for the future of Warrener Street car park.”

Cllr Anstee initially made the announcement on Twitter this morning, with Trafford Council confirming the news this afternoon.

The tweet has had an overwhelming positive reaction, with many thanking Cllr Anstee for making the decision.

Ward councillor Mike Freeman, who conducted his own survey to determine public opinion, said: "The majority of responses were opposed to the proposal and I would have represented these views in the planning process.

"I think this decision demonstrates that when communities come together and speak as one they have a strong voice and it's the role of a local councillor to channel that voice.

"I send congratulations to the Sale Moor campaigners who have run a very successful campaign.

"This has got to be, for me, the start of something in Sale Moor. I look forward to working with them in the future."