Supermarket giant Sainsbury's is to review its controversial proposal for a store and filling station at Saltash and has postponed a public exhibition of its plans. More than 450 people attended a public meeting in Saltash Wesley Church on Monday evening to discuss the company's application for outline planning permission to erect a foodstore and petrol station on the town's Kimberley Stadium and Warfelton playing fields. The meeting was told by town clerk Marilyn Small that, in a letter to mayor Bob Austin, Sainsbury's had stated that in the light of public opinion and comments made at an earlier meeting with town and Caradon councillors, Sports England and company officials, the scheme was to be significantly revised, with specific attention being paid to the treatment of the open recreational space at Warfelton. The letter said the company recognised the area as a much-used and valued amenity for the town. Sainsbury's added that in the course of the review it would not be taking part in further public debate on its plans. It is also postponing the public exhibition scheduled for February 22 and 23. Cllr Bob Austin, mayor, opened the meeting by explaining that the land at Kimberley and Warfelton was bought by the old Borough Council in 1930 for £1,900 for use as a sports field. In 1974 it was transferred to the newly-formed Caradon District Council. Opinions

Town and Caradon councillor Adam Killeya said Caradon had not made any decisions on the sale of the land and that there was still time for the public to send in their opinions. The application is due to be discussed by the council's planning committee on April 3. Caradon Council Leader John Turner said MP Colin Breed, had asked for the land at Warfelton to be turned into a village green. Cllr Turner said there would be an additional agenda item at Caradon's Cabinet meeting, due to take place yesterday, to consider the request and look at the issues involved. The meeting heard that County Highways was seeking more information on the scheme. County councillor Bryan Preston said that Callington Road was one of the busiest roads in the town and there is great concern about the traffic problems. Stadium tenants Saltash United Football Club told the meeting they were in favour of Sainsbury's having the land at Kimberley Stadium and Warfelton field, saying they would gain pitches at Carkeel. But a spokesperson for Saltash United Football Juniors said the six to 18-year-olds had played on Warfelton field for 34 years and 200 youngsters would lose that space, as not everyone had cars to get out to Carkeel. Opinions

Mr Barry Brooking said Saltash did not have many green spaces left and asked: 'So do we want Sainsbury's at Warfelton?' – for which he received loud applause. Some members of the public said they wanted a Sainsbury's store but not on the proposed site. At the end of the meeting a poll revealed 49 people against having a supermarket in the town centre, while 43 were in favour; 39 were against an out of town store, while 50 were in favour. There were 137 against Sainsbury's going to Kimberley and Warfelton, and four in favour.