PLANS for a new Tesco store in Coleford have been dismissed as 'bland' and 'horrible' by councillors on the planning committee.

They deferred granting permission for the 12,000 sq ft store with five retail units on Lord's Hill after deciding the design would be an unsuitable gateway to the town.

Resident Caroline Taylor spoke before the Forest of Dean planning committee on behalf of those who objected to the plans.

"This proposal will change the retail geography of the town forever," she said. "The old centre is at risk of becoming a ghost town and it seems extraordinary that there haven't been more objections."

Afterwards campaigners against the store said they were overjoyed with the decision.

Developer Clive Bath argued that the store would bring new jobs, satisfy local demand and lead to the development of Pyart Court.

"Local contractors will be used to build the store, around 40 new jobs will be created and the store will bring £1 million into the local economy yearly," he said.

Despite the plans being recommended for approval, councillors singled out the design of the store as the main sticking point.

Coun Gabriella Kirkpatrick said: "It doesn't seem like the best design was put forward, and there's a question over whether we should accept anything but the best."

James Bevan said: "This is another bland supermarket building and that's still my opinion of it.

Coun Amanda Sterry said the store would destroy the character of Coleford.

"Is it too late to say we don't like the design and ask ourselves whether we should be inflicting this on Coleford?" she said.

"It's horrible, and if we don't like it we should say something."

Councillors voted unanimously to defer the scheme.

Following the meeting, Tesco spokeswoman Sophie Akokhia said: "Tesco understands the importance of high quality architecture.

"Following the planning committee's feedback, we will review our plans but remain committed to both investing in Coleford and delivering 40 new jobs to the area."