Plans for a Sainsbury’s supermarket, public park, hotel, shops and offices on the former MG Rover site at Longbridge have been given enthusiastic backing by Birmingham planners.

The joint-venture between St Modwen and Advantage West Midlands is expected to create 1,000 jobs and regenerate the former car factory site.

There has been criticism that another supermarket is not needed in Birmingham and that the land should be used to create modern industrial facilities and jobs.

But director of planning Waheed Nazir said: “This is one of the most significant investment sites in recent years in south Birmingham.

“This will bring jobs, investment and a new park.”

Planning committee members approved the plans and urged the developers get building sooner rather than later.

While the scheme was warmly welcomed there were minor concerns.

Coun Adrian Delaney (Con Weoley) said: “This is a fantastic development. But I am worried about the impact on Sunbury Road shops. The parade is looking tired and they will lose business to the supermarket.”

He was told that some spin-off cash will be invested in the shopping parade and links to the new site will be created to draw trade.

Meanwhile, Coun Peter Griffiths (Lab Kings Norton) was worried that commuters using Longbridge railway station might park their cars in the shopping centre all day, but he was reassured that a parking management plan would be put in place.