ASDA can go full steam ahead with a new Cinderford store after the Secretary of State rubber stamped a decision by planners.

The Forest of Dean District Council has received confirmation that the outline application by Trilogy Developments will not be called in.

It does not stop rivals Sainsbury's appealing but makes it harder to bring a successful challenge.

Group manager for planning and housing Peter Williams said: "This means that subject to the completion of legal agreements and undertakings to provide £471,000 towards town centre enhancements being concluded by March 30 we will be in the position to grant outline planning permission."