Inquiry told Newport can cope with new store

Newport is a healthy market town that can withstand a new supermarket being built, a planning inquiry has heard.

Plans to build a 33,000 sq ft food store at Audley Avenue Industrial Estate, on the edge of the town, have been put before the hearing.

Applicants Indigo Planning claim the bid was shunned by planners as Telford & Wrekin Council favoured a separate bid for a 50,000 sq ft Sainsbury's on land it owns in Station Road.

Keith Nutter, planning director for WYG, called by Telford & Wrekin, told the inquiry yesterday that in order to see if a development would have a significant impact on a town you had to look at the health of the centre.

He said if a place was vulnerable it would not withstand a superstore development but Newport had 'a very healthy centre'.

"I accept that there will be traders diversifying away from convenience goods but people will not stop using Newport for other shops," he added.

"Independent retailers know how they have to operate to compete against the supermarkets so they offer customer care and quality of produce.

People are clear that in Newport they get a friendly service. It is the personal service that distinguishes independent retailers from supermarkets."

Mr Nutter said the town offered a wide range of services for shoppers, from hairdressers to a butchers.

"A lot of the provision is service providers or specialist retail that you would make a trip to."

Mr Nutter said there was a need in Newport for one large supermarket. However, he said it would have 'adverse impact' on the town if two supermarkets were built.

However the inquiry, being held at Gray's Hotel, in Telford, did hear that Waitrose in the town was likely to lose out.

The inquiry, heard by planning inspector Christina Downes, continues today.

See also:

• Inquiry told Telford & Wrekin Council ignored Newport store move