THE boss of Beagle Technology Group in Christchurch has said the company remains committed to the town despite planners refusing proposals for a Morrisons supermarket on the site.

A three-hour planning meeting last Thursday saw plans for the food store, which would have created 300 supermarket jobs, refused by councillors at Christchurch council.

If it had been approved, the proposal would have allowed the Christchurch-based company to relocate to premises at Bournemouth Airport, expanding their staff and modernising their premises.

In a statement on Bournemouth Echo’s website, John Taylor, managing director of Beagle Technology said: “Firstly may I thank the majority of readers for their support.

“Whilst we are disappointed by the result it is only one stage of a longer process and we remain committed to Christchurch and delivering our scheme.”

Mr Taylor praised employees for turning the company around after the strategic defence review in 2010 retired the Harrier from service. He added: “The Harrier support contract counted for half of sales that Beagle sold.

“At that time it would have been easy for us to give up but we did not.

“We rolled up our sleeves and looked at the options we had, which included the possibility of developing a supermarket on the Stony Lane site.

“Today I’m pleased to say I’m proud of the Beagle employees who have in a short time turned the business around.

“We now supply various markets including Aerospace, Marine and Defence.

“We now supply composite and metal components to many customers across the globe.”

He refused to comment on the next step for Morrisons’ developers following the refusal.

Last week’s planning meeting will continue this Thursday as revised plans for a food store at Meteor Retail Park go before members. It is also recommended for approval by officers – as was Morrisons – and Mr Taylor says he will be at the meeting to hear the result.