Hundreds of people responded with their views on the London Road Masterplan, which sets out the planning brief for the area, with more than a thousand attending an exhibition at the former Co-Op department store building in London Road .

Council leader Mary Mears said, “Over 93% of the people responding said they welcomed our plan to regenerate the London Road area. There was an overwhelming feeling that we should protect and support small, independent businesses, preserve the area’s distinctive character and encourage investment in existing buildings – all of which will be included in the final plan.  

A superstore is not included in the masterplan but any potential planning application for a superstore in London Road would be considered on its merits and assessed against local and national retail policies. The council would assess the effect of any development on existing shops and district shopping centres.

Public views will help shape the final plan. The consultation results and a revised masterplan will be reported to the Environment Cabinet meeting on 17 December.