FOREST planners unanimously supported Asda's bid to open a new store in Cinderford.

There was cheering from a packed public gallery in the council chambers at Coleford on Tuesday afternoon, when the supermarket giant got the green light to build a 4,645sqm store on land adjacent to the junction of Valley road with Steam Mills Road.

Planners also went against their own officers' recommendations to give the go-ahead for Sainsbury's to open a new store in Lydney.

Planning officers felt there was insufficient need for a store its size in Lydney.

For more on the new supermarkets approved by planners, read The Forester.