Members of NE Derbyshire District Council's planning committee voted unanimously in favour of plans which will see a large Tesco Extra supermarket built in the town centre – despite a last- minute bid to derail the plans by rival supermarket Somerfield.

Somerfield submitted a letter to the council the night before Tuesday's meeting, objecting to the proposal on a number of grounds, including concerns over pedestrian safety, traffic congestion and that the scale of the store is too big and would create a 'Tesco town' that would "wipe out all competition."

However, council planners dismissed their claims as inaccurate and councillors resolved to grant developer GMI Rovinian's revised planning application.

Speaking after the meeting, members of Clay Cross Parish Council welcomed the decision as "marvellous".

Cllr Peter Riggott, on behalf of the council, said: "It was a fantastic decision for Clay Cross because alongside this there are other developments happening in Clay Cross which will turn it into a major centre in NE Derbyshire again.

'Sympathise'

"This decision - though we know a few people are going to lose out and we sympathise with their view - will benefit the vast majority of residents in the area."

The redevelopment also features new retail units, a health centre, a bus station, affordable housing and new road layout, with the aim of the scheme being to lure residents who go elsewhere to do their shopping back into Clay Cross.

Due to the size of the development, the council's decision will now be forwarded to the Secretary of State, Hazel Blears, who has 21 days to determine whether she wishes to 'call in' the application or allow NE Derbyshire Council to rubber stamp its decision.

If it is called in, the application would then be subject to a public inquiry before a final decision was taken on the scheme.

A public enquiry considering the 11 objections to compulsory purchase orders issued on properties in the development area is due to start on November 25.