PLANS for a larger Sainsbury's together with other shops, housing and leisure facilities have been put on hold.

Councillors debated the plans to replace the existing Sainsbury's in Dovecot Road, High Wycombe, with a major complex on land bounded by Archway, Bellfield Road and Oxford Road.

Although many councillors welcomed plans for the supermarket complex, there were concerns it would create an increase in traffic on Archway and councillors said the development is such a large proposal they wanted to see an impartial presentation before a decision could be reached.

Existing shops on Oxford Road, including Blockbuster Video and Magnet Kitchens, would have to relocate if the plans went ahead but councillors at a planning applications panel meeting of Wycombe District Council heard on Wednesday that Sainsbury's were already holding discussions with some of the shops to offer relocation within the complex.

Councillors said that they wanted to see a bridge crossing the A40 from the development to the Western Sector.

Cllr Anthea Hardy (Lab, Downley) said it would have been good to link the Sainsbury's and Western Sector plans if it hadn't cost so much to dig up Tesco.

The panel voted to defer a decision by 17 votes to six.