Controversial plans for a huge discount foodstore on the outskirts of Newport would have a damaging effect on traders in the town centre, a planning inquiry was told today.

Developer Growing Enterprises has applied to build a 16,749 sq ft giant retail unit – which is likely to become the home of a store such as Aldi, Lidl or Netto – as the latest development on town’s Mere Park.

The planning application was not dealt with by Telford & Wrekin Council within a specified 12-week period and today it came before a Government inspector.

At the opening of the inquiry, expected to last three days at Grays Hotel in Foregate, Telford, the council said it would have refused permission had it made a ruling on the application.

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

Convenient

Mr Robeson told Government planning inspector Mel Middleton many other stores in Newport already offered discount goods and a unit of such magnitude could take that trade away.

He said: “Convenience goods are purchased daily and weekly and in between.

“People regularly visiting the proposed new store will find it convenient to use it for other goods and services.

“And because you are visiting it regularly, you will see what is on offer so when you need something infrequently you will remember there is somewhere you can buy it in the proposed new store.

“Therefore you are less likely to be using some shops in Newport and an awareness of what is around the town begins to fade.

“There would be a damaging loss of trips to other retailers.”

The application prompted a string of objections, notably from Newport Town Council whose members were unanimously opposed to the plan. Newport Civic Society 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 Growing Enterprises proposal were also received.

The inquiry continues.

By Jason Lavan