THE future of the Westbrook Centre remains uncertain after a decision about the multi-million pound plans was deferred during a council planning meeting.

The delay is due to the request of a presentation from the applicant.

It was also noted that a report needed to be updated to include the applicant’s statement of community involvement.

Supermarket giant Asda submitted the proposals for the shopping complex last year.

Plans for the redevelopment of the centre include new retail, leisure and restaurant units and could bring 100 jobs to the area.

Offices and shops in between the supermarket and Westbrook Library would be demolished as part of the plans with three units built in their place.

A further seven units would be built on land east of the Odeon cinema while a staff training centre will be constructed adjacent to Asda.

The petrol station will be redeveloped while the car park will lose a total of 110 parking spaces, with units potentially opening from 6am to 10pm.

The blueprints have been backed by Cllr Judith Guthrie (Westbrook – LAB) who welcomed the news of the application.

She said: “It is clear that over the years shopping trends and leisure have changed and residents now want a different offer both in retail and leisure.

“The new development offers this in the district centre.

“The plans appear to mitigate concerns over traffic patterns and do not seek to make the situation difficult, in fact the new plans will ensure traffic moves smoothly through the new development.”

But Councillor Stefan Krizanac (Westbrook – LD) said he finds the proposal ‘difficult to accept’, raising concerns over parking.

He said: “This gives me no confidence that this application is genuine that will benefit residents.

"Therefore I have to lodge my objection.”

The planning department of the council received six letters of support but 17 responses objecting to the plans.