THE third attempt to bring Asda to Cinderford has been quashed by a High Court judge.

Forest of Dean District Council lost the judicial review because they failed to consider the extent of harm the proposed store on Steam Mills Road would have to the town centre.

Planning permission had been granted for the store on Steam Mills Road on July 2 2014 but the decision was challenged by Midcounties Co-operative.

Rabinder Singh QC, High Court judge, said: "A fundamental defect in the analysis set out in the officers' report remains. This is because the full impact of the proposed development on the town centre.

"It noted that the proposed development was likely to have a significant financial impact on the health of the town centre."

The second ground on which the decision to grant planning permission was quashed were due to flaws in a planning officers' report regarding the scheme.

The report contradicted a claim that S106 moneys - legal monetary agreements to benefit the community – were needed for the development to be completed.

For the full report and reaction, see The Forester.