New year vote on Asda plans

2:30pm Saturday 29th November 2008

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SUPERMARKET chain ASDA has called on West Wiltshire District Council to make a decision soon on their plans for a £25 million store in Melksham.

A planning application for the store, on the Countrywide Farmers site off the A350, was submitted in December 2007 and was supported by Melksham Town Council. But Wiltshire County Council raised objections on highways issues, including the fact that the store would need access routes onto the busy A350.

West Wiltshire District Council, who has the final say on the plans, requested further information about the application in relation to the capacity of the store, highways and linkage to the town.

If plans are approved the 28,500 sq ft store would create 300 jobs for local people.

Chris Marlow, ASDA’s property communications manager said: “With the economy going into recession, local decisions on developments that create jobs and provide access to affordable goods and services cannot be delayed.

“We’ve had a number of discussions at district and county council levels to ensure that the proposals meet the needs of the community, and also submitted supporting documents that demonstrate the need to regenerate this site as well as the compliance with planning policy.”

He said the company had been receiving weekly inquiries from local people asking when the store would open.

A spokesman for West Wiltshire District Council said the application was highly complex and had required a great deal of work and consultation.

He said: “In our opinion the planning application submitted by ASDA features a number of significant and fundamental weaknesses.

“There are concerns over the impact it would have on the viability of Melksham town centre.

“It is poorly suited for public transport and pedestrian use as the only real practical access is by car. In addition there are highway concerns that need to be addressed.

“It is likely that the application will go to the planning committee on January 8 and will be recommended for refusal. The final decision will rest with the planning committee.”