Stadium for Cornwall: MP Sarah Newton vow to break stadium deadlock

The proposed stadium will be next be discussed by Cornwall Council on 30 July

An MP says the government will help create an alternative plan to push forward proposals for a stalled 10,000-seat sports stadium.

It follows a recommendation by Cornwall Council to reject plans for a supermarket to bankroll the stadium at Threemilestone near Truro.

They fear Truro traders will be adversely affected by the store.

Sarah Newton, Conservative MP for Truro, said: "We are totally committed to delivering a Stadium for Cornwall."

She said if the plans were rejected on Thursday the government would set up a meeting with the secretary of state and stakeholders "to develop an alternative proposal that can be implemented urgently".

Developers say the supermarket scheme is vital to bankroll the stadium

Planning officials said in a report to the planning committee: "Following careful consideration of all relevant issues, the adverse impacts of the proposal are considered to significantly and demonstrably outweigh its benefits.

"In particular: the harm to the vitality and viability of retailing in Truro City Centre; adverse landscape impacts; significant doubts over the ability of the development to deliver the stadium and the harm to the proper planning of the area. Accordingly the recommendation is one of refusal."

Truro and Penwith College, the Cornish Pirates rugby club, Inox Group and Henry Boot Developments are behind the plans for the multi-use stadium.

A spokesman for the group said it was "disappointed" officers were still recommending refusal.

"Retail impact was something that was debated at length in March and members decided this was not an issue that needed to be brought back to committee.

"We are confident our scheme can deliver the Stadium for Cornwall and the benefits that would flow from it for local sport, business, education and leisure across Cornwall."