Cautious welcome for Newport expansion plans

Multi-million pound plans to transform Newport and create hundreds of jobs were today welcomed with caution by town chiefs.

The scheme could see hundreds of jobs coming to the town as the plans have outlined a supermarket and petrol station to be built. Mayor of Newport, Councillor Roy Scammell, said the jobs would be welcome in the town, but added he would need to inspect the plans before deciding on the extra homes.

"We would be building a new town in effect and some of it is good news and some of it I am not sure about yet," said Councillor Scammell.

"It is good news on the job front and the business park.

"That is definitely something we need in Newport.

"Regarding the supermarket and petrol station, and houses, I would like more information on that because that's going to affect our high street enormously."

Councillor Scammell added the extra homes could have a negative impact on the town.

"It's going to put a strain on the schools, doctors' surgeries, police and fire service," he added.

"It's going to also put an enormous strain on the town from all angles, but I will need to see the full plans before making any kind of decision."

An exhibition showcasing the plans is to be held at Burton Borough School from 4pm to 8pm on Thursday to give residents and businesses a chance to learn more about the scheme.

A further event will then be held later in the summer ahead of a joint planning application which will be considered by council planners.

Councillor Richard Overton, Telford & Wrekin Council's cabinet member for borough towns development, said: "A council survey has shown that many people in Newport do their main food shopping outside of the town.

"This development will keep that money in Newport and attract people from the surrounding area to the town.

Councillor Overton added: "The exhibition on July 7 will give residents the opportunity to find out more about the details of the scheme."

St Modwen's senior asset manager Juliet Rossiter said: "We know the area well having had a long established land holding there for more than 10 years.

"We feel that Newport will benefit from the development that we and our partners are proposing and that it is well placed to serve as a catalyst for future investment and growth."

If the scheme receives planning approval from council planners it is expected that the first phase of the development would start in 2012.