WEST Wiltshire district councillors were expected to make a decision on the controversial plan to build a Sainsbury's store at Westbury Leigh last night.

The application has attracted criticism including claims that the planned store is too large, would adversely affect Westbury town centre and goes against established district and county planning policy.

The district council will consider the objections.

Westbury Town Council voted to reject the proposal in July on the grounds that the supermarket, which would be a similar size to that in Melksham, would destroy an already struggling town centre.

It is felt that Cooper's in the town centre would be severely affected.

Twenty five per cent of residents ranked the store as the most popular for their main food shopping in a recent household survey.

Dilton Marsh Parish Council has also raised concerns regarding the village's post office and general store.

A spokesman said: "These shops, whilst being convenient for a large number of village residents, also serve a vital need for the elderly and infirm. Should these shops be forced out of business, those residents would undoubtedly suffer and Dilton would join the other less-fortunate villages without local shopping facilities."

The original plans submitted by Persimmon Homes included the provision of shops.

The Five Towns Initiative which is devoted to keeping town centres thriving has been cited by opponents of the supermarket plan, who say it could jeopardise Westbury's town centre.

The Wessex Association of Chambers of Commerce has said the plan also goes against other plans and reports which call for new development to be focused in town centres.