The development was originally proposed at the beginning of January, but due to the mixed reaction the plans have invoked, it has been decided that a clearer idea of public opinion is needed before a final decision can be made.

The ballot papers will be sent out at the end of February asking residents simply 'are you in favour of the new development – yes or no?' They are then asked to return them either to town clerk Tracey Price directly, or by ballot box in the post office by Friday, March 14.

Councillor Colin Kirkby said: "We are using ballot papers partly because the Town Council has four members who've had to declare an interest and therefore there are only five members left to make the decision and it is a very important issue to the local community.

"We had two options really, either a public open meeting or a ballot, and we felt that a ballot would give a fairer view of public opinion."
The plans, which were submitted by Kembertons on behalf of Progressive Products, are for a 12,000 square feet supermarket, a 8,000 square feet DIY store as well as a petrol station and car parking area, on a site off Joe Deakins Road.

The Chamber of Trade, which has declared itself against the proposal, has launched a poster campaign detailing what the High Street could potentially look like in a few years time if the plans were to get the go-ahead.

Chairman of the Chamber of Trade, Paul Charles, said: "If it comes then you are probably going to lose half of the shops in the High Street, if not more. People of the town might like it but it won't do the traders any good."

The County Times revealed last week that supermarket giant Tesco has confirmed an interest in a move to East Radnorshire, although it refused to confirm an interest in this specific site.