Concerns have been raised over the impact a new Sainsbury's store could have on a 'nationally protected view' and the viability of a Nottinghamshire market town.
The proposed store in Southwell is expected to be accessed via a new junction off Park Lane, off Nottingham Road.
However, Councillor Peter Harris, who represents Southwell for the Liberal Democrats on Newark and Sherwood District Council, said the location was in an "inappropriate area" in light of the "sight lines" of the Southwell Minster.
There are concerns to do with the potential impact on the "nationally protected view" from the green open space between the Minster and Nottingham Trent University's Brackenhurst campus.
"It's very unusual to have an open space right into the town you can take from Brackenhurst without going on any road, going into the town centre. It's a protected view," said Councillor Harris.
He contests the idea the new Sainsbury's will be a "convenience" store.
"The town centre of the town is fairly unusual in the number of shops it retains, given we have got two bakers, two butchers, we have a Saturday market," said Councillor Harris, who also sits on Southwell Town Council.
"This is not a convenience store, they say it is - it's a large supermarket. This will potentially drain economic vitality of the town.
"People come to the town because of its vibrant town centre. A large store like this could drain economic activity from the town."
Up to 40 new jobs are expected to be created at the Sainsbury's which is expected to include an in-store Argos click and collect service.
As many as 109 car parking spaces are intended to serve the store.
Councillor Malcolm Brock, who represents Southwell on Newark and Sherwood District Council for the Liberal Democrats, said: "There are two sides of the presentation.
"It's non-designated land at present, they are going to have to make a convincing business case - that is the basic premise for the planning application.
"On the plus side, obviously there are economic pluses, it would add a competitive element to the retail scene of Southwell.
"They have presented to the town council, they are going through the process of public consultation, which is to be commended."
Councillor Brock, who sits on the planning committees of the district council and Southwell Town Council, said he'd spoken with local residents about the plans and opinion seemed to be split down the middle
"They are evenly balanced at present, there are comments in favour, there are comments [of objection]. It really is even-steven," he said.
The supermarket is proposed to be built on fields on land surrounded by hedges.
The site is said to be on the corner of Park Lane, off Nottingham Road, and near a local rugby club.
Councillor Brock expects a planning application to be submitted to the district council in September.
A spokesman for Sainsbury's said the firm plans to expand its "Neighbourhood Hub Store concept".
He said: "Our Neighbourhood Hub stores are a food-led extension of our renowned convenience offer and are set up to serve more comprehensive shopping missions thanks to their unique size and location.
"The brand-new store would generate new jobs for the community, whilst also substantially improving food choice for local people.
"Our proposed Neighbourhood-Hub store would incorporate a number of sustainability elements to ensure that it was a store built for the future, which is a part of our wider strategy to become a Net Zero business by 2040.
"Our plans for the store have been sensitively designed to ensure the store would be well screened by both the natural topography of the land and the retention and enhancement of the established tree line around the site.
"We are committed to serving, supporting and investing in Southwell and would welcome the views of the local community on our proposals so that we can deliver the best possible store."
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