OUTLINE plans to build a Waitrose supermarket in Trowbridge were approved by councillors last night but the project has further hurdles to overcome.

Parkridge Developments and Waitrose submitted a joint application to redevelop the former Peter Black factory in County Way, Trowbridge.

It was considered on Thursday night by councillors on the West Wiltshire District Council who approved the outline plans for a food store, cafes, bars, restaurants, a hotel, apartments and car parking as well as work to improve the River Biss, which adjoins the site.

Before any work begins the project will have to go before the committee again to finalise the details of the plan but it may never get that far.

Government rules preventing the centering of too many supermarkets in one town or community could scupper the plans.

The district council has already given full approval to developer Barton Finch, which is teaming up with Sainsbury's, to build a store on the former bottling plant in Conigre.

As a result Government officers will have to decide whether there is room in the local marketplace for two supermarkets and if it decides there is not the Waitrose plan may stall.

The plans include a 1,720 sq m Waitrose food shop, 46 one and two-bedroom apartments, 1,008 sq m of ground floor restaurant, a 60-bedroom hotel and car parks. It also includes the creation of a riverside walkway, creating better access to the River Biss, and walkways and bridges linking the site with the town centre, the proposed Waterside development in County Way and Parkridge's Shires Gateway scheme in Bythesea Road.