Sainsbury’s has confirmed that it is pressing ahead with its planned expansion of an out-of-town shopping centre, despite local rumours to the contrary.

There has been talk in London Colney that despite recently gaining the go-ahead to build five more shops at Colney Fields shopping centre, the development would not go ahead.

However a spokeswoman for the supermarket giant quashed that rumour, saying: “We have planning permission for the retail park extension and are continuing to work with the developer and council on this scheme.”

She confirmed that Ramheath Properties was still the developer for the extension - however no construction start date had yet been set.

The bid gained district council approval in September last year. It includes demolition of the former Ridgeview Hostel, which is currently providing temporary accommodation for students attending the University of Hertfordshire.