SAINSBURY'S can press ahead with its multi-million pound plans to redevelop an industrial site after the Government opted not to review council approval.
The supermarket is now expected to start work on the Churnet Works, Leek, in the spring after the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government decided that "intervention would not be justified".
Protesters, who fear the scheme will take trade away from the town centre, have described the decision as a "dark day for Leek".
More than 2,000 people objected to the proposals before they were passed by Staffordshire Moorlands District Council in December after months of delays.
And the changes suggested for the town's road layout were so controversial they sparked a referendum.
But Eric Pickles MP, pictured below, believes that "the issues raised do not relate to matters of more than local importance" and will not call in the application for further consideration.
At least 350 jobs will be created at the 40,000 sq ft Sainsbury's. The scheme also involves about 100 homes, a petrol station, warehouses and business units.
The council was notified of the secretary of state's decision in a letter from the Government Office For The West Midlands yesterday.
It means the permission granted by the council stands subject to conditions and a Section 106 agreement, which ties the developer to providing community facilities.
Michael Adenmosun, of Sainsbury's regional development, said: "Sainsbury's is delighted the government office has not called in the application and is looking forward to coming to Leek.
"Sainsbury's is currently finalising the 106 with the council, and is looking forward to working with the tenants on site, whose businesses will be given a new lease of life."
But Councillor Steve Povey said: "It's a very black day for Leek.
"Unfortunately the letter doesn't mention the road system or the referendum, the secretary of state has looked at affordable housing.
"This is not a good start for localism and 'big society'.
"Where do we go from here? We just have to accept it. But whatever happens now, the people who took part can say they did their bit."
A council spokesman said: "The decision frees the council to issue planning approval once the section 106 agreement has been finalised, which is expected to happen within the next few weeks."
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