Paul Glasswell was speaking after plans to convert a warehouse at its World of Furniture store, in Newmarket Road, Bury St Edmunds, into three new shops, were turned down.

One of the reasons for its refusal was because of the possibility of available units in the Cattle Market redevelopment and units becoming available as shops relocate from the existing town centre.

Mr Glasswell said: "We just need to go away and see how we can improve our argument or how circumstances change over the next few months – and, hopefully, next time, we will be successful."

The family firm argued that Cotswolds Outdoor, The Bathstore and Majestic Wine Warehouse were unsuited for town centre sites.

But members of St Edmundsbury Borough Council's development control committee said alternative locations had not been properly considered.

"Should we grant permission to this today, we are running the risk of having empty premises in the town centre," said Cllr Dorothy Whittaker at Thursday's meeting.

"I don't think the time is quite right yet," said Cllr Ian Houlder. "I think there is the possibility that in a few years' time we might be revisiting this site and saying yes."

"We want to make the magnet of Bury stronger, said Mr Glasswell. "We feel if we can draw people to the outskirts, they will go to the town centre and if they go to the town centre, they will also visit the outskirts," he said.

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