Plans for a massive extension to Chippenham's Morrisons store received the green light from members of North Wiltshire District Council's development control committee.

The application was for a 2,498 sq m extension, which would make the former Safeway store off West Cepen Way half as big again.

The extension would lie to the front of the building, with a roof design much like the one on the current building.

Chippenham Town Council had objected to the plan, fearing it would damage the vitality and viability of the town centre but members of the development control committee last week voted it through without comment.

They delegated the decision to officers who will make the final negotiations.

Coun Bill Wood, chairman of the town council's planning and environment committee, said after the meeting he was very disappointed the members had not discussed the plan despite the objections of the town council.

He said: "It is almost certain to have a detrimental effect on the town centre. It cannot fail to have. I honestly don't know why they didn't discuss it."

Ron MacGregor, chairman of the development control committee, said: "As far as planning went the application met all the criteria, and if that is the case it would be unreasonable to refuse it."