IT will be D-day for supermarket developers today when councillors make a decision on three major foodstore schemes in Christchurch.

Planning officers have recommended refusal for all three supermarkets citing the “significant” economic impact all may have on the rest of the borough, with the potential trade draw from the town centre proving too much of a risk.

Tom Whitehead, development manager for Brookhouse, who wish to build a new foodstore at Meteor Retail Park in Somerford, said: “It is disappointing that the application is being recommended for refusal.

“There are many benefits to the proposal and we have gone to great lengths to address comments received after a previous application for a much larger foodstore on the site was turned down,” said Mr Whitehead.

He added: At a public consultation earlier this year there was overwhelming support for the plans.”

Simons Developments, who are behind the proposal for Morrisons at Stony Lane, say a new supermarket would mean £1million worth of improvements to the nearby Stony Lane roundabout.

Graeme Cosgrove, director of development at Simons said: “We have been working with Dorset Highways for some time to get the improvements to the roundabout agreed.

“We are very happy with the results as they will not only improve traffic flows on the A35 but will increase the safety on the roundabout for all users.”

The planning meeting will take place at 6pm at the Civic Offices.