Doubts over bid by Tesco
Plans for a new superstore in Newtown could be called in to question by the Welsh Assembly government, it was revealed today.
Grocery giant Tesco wants to develop a former livestock market in Newtown which it bought on condition it receives planning permission. But the Assembly government today confirmed it was considering a request to call in the plans for examination.
This could lead to it recommending refusal of planning permission.
An Assembly spokesman said: "We have received a request calling in the plans for the former livestock market site in Pool Road, Newtown. It is being considered."
The Assembly could not reveal the grounds for the request, but it is believed to be connected with fears of the impact the new store would have on existing shops.
Up to 340 new jobs could be created in Newtown if Tesco's plans for the multi-million pound development of the former Smithfield Livestock Market site go ahead.
Tesco has confirmed it had submitted plans to Powys County Council which, if approved, will regenerate site.
The proposed store will have a shop floor area of 2,964 sq metres, but there are fears the store could affect town shops.
The Welsh Assembly government said it did not know when a decision would be made.
In April, Powys council, which owned Newtown livestock market, said it had "conditionally sold" it to Tesco.
More than 400 people have now joined a campaign to improve Newtown's congested roads using cash from the sale of the town's former livestock market.
Millions of pounds is likely to be raised through the redevelopment of the site.
More than 400 residents have so far given their backing to the Newtown Roads Campaign.
Dan Munford, Conservative assembly candidate for Montgomeryshire, is behind the group calling for vital improvements needed to prevent gridlock in the town.
The group is urging that if Tesco gets permission to develop the livestock market site then the millions raised should be spent on solving infrastructure problems in the town.
By Rhea Parsons
Popular stories:
Daily news blog
Appeal over Darwin fight
Find bargains with StarBidz
Warning on road closures
Hunt for dog after boy attacked
