Police have opposed plans for a supermarket alcohol licence on the grounds that it will be selling cheap drinks – even though there are six alternative outlets within 350 yards.

Officers in Sutton Coldfield have claimed that a new Morrisons town centre store would encourage people to “pre-load” on cut-price booze.

The opposition has been lodged despite the fact that a number of other shops sell alcohol within 350 metres of the planned site.

The supermarket giant wants to create 20 new jobs with a new M convenience stores at the former Blockbusters site on Birmingham Road.

The building has been empty since the video rental chain went into administration earlier this year.

Licencing officer for north Birmingham, Deano Walker, said the new Morrison’s would encourage people to drink at home and drink on the street.

An objection letter sent to the committee by PC Walker, said: “West Midlands Police believe that if this licence is granted we will see night-time revellers entering the town having already pre-loaded with alcohol at home.

“It is then believed they will take advantage of the late opening hours and the location of this store to further pre-load on cheaper alcohol compared to the premises they will visit. Also, the area is an alcohol restriction zone and police believe they will see an increase in street drinking.

“This will inevitably seen increase in crime and disorder and public nuisance to local residents.”

The force went on to say that if the application was successful it would see an increase in crime and disorder in the area, because of the location and opening times.

Morrisons is currently renovating the building on Birmingham Road. In its application the firm said it hoped to open between 6am and midnight and would operate a challenge 25 policy for alcohol sales.

A spokesman for the firm declined to comment ahead of the hearing, which will be heard today.