PLANS for a smaller Sainsbury's in St John's have been rejected by Worcester City Council because the store would still overdevelop the area.

The supermarket giant is due to appeal next month after initial plans for a store in Swanpool Walk were rejected amid councillors' claims that it would cause traffic congestion, particularly at peak times.

They also said the site was not big enough to accommodate the 26,000sq ft store and a car park.

In an attempt to find a compromise, Sainsbury's submitted the second proposal, for a 24,500sq ft store.

The Highways Authority offered no objection, because of an expected reduction in traffic from the original plan, and alterations to lights and road markings.

But, last night, councillors decided the new store would add to traffic, though it would be well below the levels St John's experienced before the bypass was built.

"We spent £20m solving the intolerable traffic problem in St John's but, with this new plan, we're looking at a 26 to 27 per cent increase in today's traffic," said Councillor David Clark.

Some councillors argued a six per cent reduction in floor space would not reduce traffic by 6 per cent.

"You've got to be on a fantasy island to believe customers would stop going because there's 6 per cent less floor space," said Coun Gary Kibblewhite.

Coun Derek Prodger added: "I think all this is being shoe-horned to make it work, and the superstore's too big for the car parking provision."

Sainsbury's spokesman Sally Miles told councillors the compromise could avoid a lengthy and costly appeal procedure.

"We'd be prepared to accept a decision and look at submitting a different design or car parking arrangement," she said.

Some councillors said a superstore was badly-needed in St John's, as residents were travelling to St Peter's, Warndon, and Malvern to shop.

"The demerits are far outweighed by the benefits for St John's and Worcester," said Coun Martin Clarke.

But councillors rejected the plan on grounds of over-development by 18 votes to 15.

A vote to reject it on the grounds of traffic problems was defeated by 20 votes to 13.