NEWS that Sainsbury’s plans to build a flagship green store in Dursley has been welcomed by Stroud District Council.

Despite concerns about the work being delayed on the site in Castle Street, members of the district council are positive about the proposed change of design.

"This is very exciting news," said Cllr Barbara Tait, the council’s cabinet member for planning and climate change. "We are looking forward to getting the amended planning application to see confirmation of their intentions. "Here at Stroud District Council we’re very keen to encourage new buildings that have minimal impact on the environment, so we’re delighted."

At the annual Dursley town meeting, held last week, chief executive of Stroud District Council David Hagg allayed residents’ fears that Sainsbury’s would pull out of the job.

"We have a legal agreement with Sainsbury’s that says they must have the store built by April 2011 and I am sure they will not want to delay it that long," said Mr Hagg.

He pointed out that Sainsbury’s had already spent a lot of money relocating and building a new fire station for Dursley.

Mr Hagg also promised that the new planning application would be dealt with as quickly and efficiently as possible to allow work to restart on the site.