Newport Sainsbury's unlikely to open for two years
Newport could be without a major new supermarket for up to two years if planning permission is granted for a new Sainsbury's, an inquiry has heard.
The hearing at the Park Inn Hotel in Telford is looking into Telford & Wrekin Council's decision to grant planning permission for a new store on green land it owns off Station Road, in Newport.
A planning expert and consultant to the council said the Sainsbury's was unlikely to open before 2015, due to the likelihood of an appeal against the decision of the inquiry.
Martin Robeson, of London-based Martin Robeson Planning Practice, said it could be later than that, depending on appeals.
A report Mr Robeson put together makes predictions on the effect of the store on the town from 2019, although he was meant to base it on the period one to two years after it opens.
Mr Robeson was being cross-examined by Miss Nathalie Lieven, who questioned him on why he had chosen to use 2019 for his predictions. He said: "I used 2019 as I thought, as we have already seen by the secretary of state calling in this inquiry, that there are likely to be hold-ups.
"I think the Sainsbury's store will open not before 2015."
The hearing follows another inquiry last year into plans for a site on Audley Avenue, where Morrisons wants to build a store.
Plans there were refused by Telford and Wrekin Council but overturned by the planning inspector.
But Miss Lieven has said if the permission was granted for the Station Road site, Morrisons had provision to cancel the contract.
Mr Robeson's report also said it was his belief that it was inconceivable for both stores to open in the town.
The inquiry started on Tuesday and is due to last three weeks.
