Developers hoping to build a controversial discount food store in Newport have said residents are missing out because of a lack of offers by existing supermarkets.

Developer Growing Enterprises wants to build a 1,533 sq m supermarket at Mere Park which could become an Aldi, Lidl or Netto. The application was not dealt with by Telford & Wrekin Council within 12 weeks and is now before a planning inspector.

Martin Robeson, an expert witness on planning issues called by the council, said yesterday there was no need for a retail development of that size in Newport.

He told planning inspector Mel Middleton that there was an already sufficient amount of discount foods to be bought in the town.

But Hugh Richardson, representing Growing Enterprises, said that was not the case. He said an average discount store would have more than 1,500 low cost items.

He compared this with the former Somerfield supermarket in Newport, which has now been taken over by Co-operative. He claimed it had just 47 discounted items in one day.

He said: “There is a considerable outflow from Newport with people shopping elsewhere because the needs of residents in the town are not being met.

“The town has not got a full offer of discount food retailing and what other supermarkets in the town offer does not nearly replicate what a discount store like Netto can.”

But Mr Robeson disagreed and added: “The town centre has a variety of retailers who between them offer reasonable value for money.”

The application was met with stiff opposition from town and borough councillors amid claims it would damage existing trade.

Newport Civic Society had also objected, along with ward Councillor Adrian Meredith, Chetwynd Aston and Woodcote Parish Council, the Newport Liberal Democrat group and the people behind a planned food store in Audley Avenue.

Eight letters of support for the proposal were also received by the council.

At the opening of the inquiry yesterday in Telford the council said it would have refused permission had it made a ruling on the application.

The inquiry continues.