Sainsbury's is the winner

Sainsbury's today declared victory in the long-running battle to build Wombourne's first supermarket.

Delighted residents cheered in the public gallery as South Staffordshire planning chiefs finally gave the green light for a 22,000 sq ft store by 34 votes to four.

The supermarket will transform a derelict factory site in Heath Mill Road industrial estate, which has been vacant for 16 years, and will create 250 jobs. The decision is a massive blow to Tesco, which wanted to build a supermarket just yards away on the same industrial estate.

Both Sainsbury's and Tesco had their first plans thrown out by planning chiefs due to fears a supermarket would lead to an increase in traffic and would threaten local traders.

Residents bombarded councillors with letters and a 700-name petition in support of Sainsbury's.

The store will have a customer cafe, recycling facilities and a 200-space car park. Bosses will also launch a bus hopper service to take shoppers to and from the village centre.

The road junction will also be improved with traffic lights and a pedestrian crossing.

The store is expected to open in 18 months.

Not all councillors were happy with the decision.

Councillor Mary Bond said a supermarket would "destroy" Wombourne and claimed the petition did not truly reflect the views of people.

Her speech was met with cries of "rubbish" from the public gallery.