Store will 'breathe new life into Newport'

A new supermarket on the fringes of Newport will act as a catalyst to attract businesses to the town, the developer said today.

Plans for a 33,000sq ft foodstore in Audley Avenue Industrial Estate have been given the go-ahead by a planning inspector after a public inquiry earlier this year.

Both Newport Town Council and Newport Chamber of Commerce oppose it, claiming it would take trade away from the High Street.

But landowner David Tringham said it would revitalise the area.

He said today: "I think it's a fantastic decision. It's taken seven years to get where we are. It's brilliant for Newport.

"It's in the right place and doesn't affect anybody. It will only sell food so it will not harm the town centre.

Mr Tringham added: "It will act as a catalyst for businesses to come to Newport. The old Focus site will be taken up and the whole area will be improved. It will give people a facility to get less expensive groceries on their doorstep without driving out of town."

Negotiations will now take place with potential occupiers and construction could start in early 2013.

A spokesman for Telford & Wrekin Council confirmed that the authority has received the appeal decision.

It is unclear what the decision will mean for the proposed Sainsbury's supermarket in Station Road.

That larger development was given the go-ahead by the council but was called in to be decided by secretary of state Eric Pickles. A decision is expected in January 2013.

David Parker, spokesman for the Save Newport Campaign Group which fought against the Station Road plans, said: "We are meeting on Monday to review the situation. The fight goes on as there is still an inquiry to come over the major Sainsbury's hypermarket."

Mere Park Garden Centre was also granted permission to convert into a Morrisons supermarket but the council has launched a High Court appeal.