FOREST planners failed to reach a decision over proposals to build an Aldi supermarket in Coleford today (September 13).

Both a move to reject the proposed 19,418 sq ft shop on Tufthorn Avenue and a proposal to approve the scheme were voted down ending in a virtual stalemate.

To break the deadlock a full meeting of the Forest of Dean District Council will decide the fate of the proposed store.

Coleford Deputy Mayor Nick Penny reiterated the town council’s support for the scheme and urged planners to approve it.

However planning officers, who recommended rejecting the scheme, said the German budget supermarket's scale and location outside the town centre makes it unsuitable.

The officers would much prefer Aldi opting for the store to be built on the proposed Tesco site on Lords Hill which was granted permission.However, Aldi have refused this option.

Cllr James Bevan (Con, Lydney East), who proposed approving the scheme, echoed Deputy Mayor Penny’s remarks and said Coleford really was in the ‘last chance saloon’.

Cllr Maria Edwards (Con, Tidenham) said: “I accept the application will bring some benefits to the town centre of Coleford but I think the sequential test is key to this application.

“The site at Lords Hill in the town centre is available and has the benefit of full planning permision for a food store of similar scale.

“If we fail to uphold national policy this council could be taken to a judicial review if challenged.”

Following the vote to approve the scheme which was voted down by just one vote Chairman Philip Burford (Ind, Hartpury) said: “Planning committee once more is in deadlock which will mean a decision will be made by full council presumably in October.”

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Some councillors complained that they did not know what they had voted for.