A BID to transform land off Corringham Road in Gainsborough into a small retail park with a children's nursery and a restaurant has been rejected by planners.

The outline application considered by West Lindsey District Council's planning committee would have created up to 50 new jobs.

West Lindsey planners have turned down Morbaineâs bid for a small retail centre in Corringham Road, Gainsborough.

But Wednesday night's decision left developer Morbaine considering an appeal – after councillors claimed the centre would be too large and impact on Gainsborough town centre shops.

Morbaine reacted strongly – claiming that it had overwhelming public support constantly expressed during the consultation process.

The Cheshire-based company – specialists in retail sector projects – believed it had a very strong case. It wanted to replace the weather-worn Environment Agency building and adjoining Little Lambs Nursery. In their place Morbaine proposed a new 12,000 sq ft convenience foodstore, a number of smaller retail units, a nursery and a sit-down restaurant.

Nearly 70 per cent of people who commented on the plans were in favour of the scheme and West Lindsey's own consultants had confirmed there would be no impact on the town centre trading scene.

Ward councillors and Gainsborough Area Chamber of Commerce also expressed support.

"We are clearly disappointed and surprised that the planning committee has completely ignored the widespread support for this scheme from local people, ward members and the business community," said Morbaine director Alex Brodie.

"To give the thumbs down to new facilities and jobs in a town with ambitious growth plans, during a period of high unemployment, seems short-sighted to say the least. The decision also ran counter to the council's own advice – which stated that there would be no impact on the health of the town centre, as this was a development to cater for local shopping needs.

"In our opinion, this sends completely the wrong message to those who might want to invest in Gainsborough in the future."

Morbaine will now wait for the official refusal notice from the council before deciding whether to appeal the decision.