A QUESTION mark hangs over future improvements at an Ellesmere Port college after plans to build a supermarket next door were rejected.

West Cheshire College in Regent Street had sold part of its land to Morrisons, which was hoping to build a massive store there.

But the scheme was kicked out by borough planners concerned about the loss of open space and noise from deliveries affecting neighbours.

A Morrisons spokeswoman said:'We are disappointed with this decision.

'We will now wait for the council's planning decision notice, explaining the terms of the refusal.

'Then we will consider our position as regards an appeal.'

College vice-principal Penny Horsefield said: 'We are working hard to improve our facilities and, unlike schools, have to raise the vast majority of the money for any improvements ourselves.

'So the rejection of planning permission for the proposed Morrisons supermarket is disappointing.

'The decision will not affect the work currently under way at the Ellesmere Port campus.

'But it does mean future plans we had for the campus are no longer secure. For example, further improvements to existing buildings and upgrading equipment.'

Mrs Horsefield said the aim was to give Ellesmere Port a facility fit for the 21st Century.

She said: 'This development will result in a campus to be proud of, providing our students and staff with the facilities they deserve, and we would have welcomed the opportunity to make further improvements.

'It is also disappointing for sections of the wider community.

'The supermarket would have created many new jobs and opportunities for learning and, coupled with the proposed housing development on the land currently occupied by Safeway in Chester Road, it would have brought further local economic benefits to the area.'

But councillors feared the scheme, which included a petrol station, car wash and landscaping, would have been too noisy for nearby residents.

They expressed concern about the loss of green space and 'detrimental impact' on Ellesmere Port - and, to a lesser extent, Neston - town centres.

A planning report concluded: 'There is no demonstrable retail need for another food superstore in Ellesmere Port.'