CONTROVERSIAL plans for an Asda superstore and drive-thru coffee shop in Salisbury have been approved – but not fully.

On April 17, Wiltshire Council’s Strategic Planning Committee approved the scheme unanimously, despite dozens of objections from residents.

There were also a similar number of supporting statements, the meeting was told, backing the development of a 4.657 sq m store on the Salisbury Retail Park, in London Road.

As well as the supermarket, the plans include a 171 sq m drive-thru coffee shop unit, with proposed parking for 27 vehicles, and a petrol station.

New open space and a pedestrian and cycle link between London Road and Green Lane is also part of the scheme.

Salisbury City Council turned down the plans in 2022, citing environmental issues.

However, it was supported by Laverstock and Ford Parish Council.

Now, the approval will be subject to a judicial review before it is officially decided.

A report to the committee said inclusion of the site as ‘brownfield’ and its place in a previous planning document for retail use, made development difficult to oppose.

“As a result, the principle of development of the land would be difficult to refute, and its development for some form of large out-of-town retail use was considered to be acceptable up until recent years,” it added.

A retail assessment by Wiltshire Council also said the plans, including the drive-thru coffee shop, would “not have an adverse impact on Salisbury city centre”, the report noted.

It will now go before the Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities, Michael Gove, who will give a final decision.