A LENGTHY battle in the high court could be the ultimate outcome if city councillors give the green light to a Compulsory Purchase Order on land at Swanpool Walk.

Next Thursday's planning committee meeting at the Guildhall is the first stage on the ladder where councillors can give the nod to back the CPO in principle.

Councillor Simon Geraghty said considerable talks would still be needed with Sainsbury's to finalise any payments and plans.

The plan would then return back to a full cabinet committee meeting to give its final approval.

"Even if full cabinet gives its backing, it is likely to go all the way to the high court," said Coun Geraghty.

"As the land is in trust both sides need to be in full agreement, so it may be necessary for the high court to make the CPO.

"There would also have to be talks to discuss the going rate of land to make sure the county council could be adequately compensated."

Critics of the entire supermarket scheme, include the Save Our St John's (SOS) group which failed in its bid to persuade the council to stop any form of development on the site.

"What we are basically saying is that the city council is owned by Sainsbury's," said David Birtwhistle, a member of SOS.

"There are only the two voices of the supermarkets in this debate, the voices of the shops and traders already in the area have been completely ignored.

"We should not be at the mercy of supermarket giants who will make millions from any development."