Legal fight looms on Newport supermarket works

Diggers this week moved on site at Audley Avenue Industrial Estate where a 33,000sq ft supermarket is planned. The former Classic Furniture offices and nearby warehouses are being demolished in preparation for the store, which was given the go-ahead by a planning inspector.

But that decision has been challenged by Telford & Wrekin Council, which wants to see a supermarket on green fields it owns off Station Road.

David Tringham, the developer behind the Audley Avenue store, said he was confident building work would start in the new year.

He said: "We're in the process of demolishing it so the supermarket can start in the new year with a clean, fresh site.

"The sooner we get the supermarket established the better. We've got our permission and we're ploughing ahead."

Mr Tringham said the Classic Furniture offices were coming down, along with warehouses once they have been vacated.

The developer flew to England from Portugal on Wednesday to continue talks with potential operators.

Telford & Wrekin Council said it was investigating whether Mr Tringham had permission to carry out the work.

But he said he was abiding by all regulations.

It is just the latest twist in a long-running saga over supermarkets in Newport.

Telford & Wrekin Council supports a bid by St Modwen for a 50,000sq ft supermarket in Station Road.

That was given the go-ahead by the authority but called-in by the secretary of state.

There is also a third bid for a supermarket at Mere Park Garden Centre, which is the subject of another High Court challenge by the council