THE much-debated Sale Moor supermarket plans have been given the thumbs-up by planning officers.

Kirkland Developments want to erect a new 1,140 sq. m food store and two three-bedroom semi-detached houses on Warrener Street Car Park, the site of the IMO car wash on Northenden Road and 26a Marsland Road.

The application is to go before Trafford Council’s planning committee on Thursday July 14, with a recommendation to grant from planning officers.

Trafford Council retains ownership of the Warrener Street car park after turning down a sale offer by the developers December 2015. Kirkland Developments said, however, that the council has made it clear that a decision on the planning application will in no way prejudice a decision on the sale of the land.

An options appraisal will take place in 2016/17, which will consider potential development opportunities for the site and allow for further consultation with the community.

Rod Hogarth, managing director of Kirkland Developments, said they were ‘delighted’ with the officers’ recommendation.

“We have been involved with this site for over 15 years now and we are chomping at the bit to secure this investment for Sale Moor and deliver this scheme for those people who are supportive of more choice for shoppers in the village,” he added.

“While the planning application is just one element of bringing forward this proposal and there is more work still to be done, we would hope that members of the Planning Committee will follow their officers’ recommendation and approve our application next week.”

Campaigners have been vocal in their opposition to the plans.

A spokesperson for the We Are Sale Moor Community Interest Company said: “There are ten top reasons why Sale Moor is the wrong place for a new supermarket: 97% of local residents do not want a new supermarket in Sale Moor (survey of 873); the vitality of Sale Moor would be impacted and we would have less consumer choice; local jobs could be negatively impacted.”

The group also said it would significantly impact on neighbouring homes as it is overbearing, that it does not meet Trafford Council’s planning policies and that displaced cars would park on the street.

Increased congestion on the surrounding roads, out of date data to assess impact of traffic, lack of space on the site and two discount stores less than one mile away was also cited as reasons to oppose the plans.

“We urge the local community to submit their objections as soon as possible,” added the spokesperson.

According to the planning documents, 405 letters and emails of objection have been submitted against the application, and 34 letters in support of it.

Following receipt of amended and additional plans, a 10 day re-consultation was undertaken on 14 June 2016. As a result of this re-consultation, 54 additional letters of representation were received, 52 objections and 2 letters of support.

Cllr Mike Freeman confirmed that he will be speaking against the application at next week’s meeting.

“I am not surprised at the recommendation to approve being made to the planning committee,” he said.

“I have read the full report, which is extremely thorough, however there are some issues I still wish to take up on the day.”

Representation from other parties is not yet known.