The much-anticipated ASDA supermarket development set for the outskirts of Newport has been given the green light by the Isle of Wight Council’s Planning Committee this evening (Wednesday), confirming ASDA will be coming to the Isle of Wight.
Up to 450 jobs are now expected to be created when the Island’s first ASDA opens its doors on land off of St George’s Way between Newport and Shide. The supermarket was originally meant to open to the public in December 2012, however an ongoing battle with planning applications has led to the significant delay, however work is expected to begin as soon as possible.
The new store will have a sales area of some 45,000 sq ft, 400 car parking spaces, a petrol station offering the cheapest fuel on the Island, plus a café, a brand new roundabout and a spine road to Pan. In addition, there will be a significant investment in the pedestrian/cycle route between the store and Pyle Street in the town centre, to create a safe and attractive link that will encourage shoppers into Newport
The proposed development has gained a lot of support from Island residents who are keen to have access to the supermarket’s cheaper food, fuel and home ware. But the location has caused concerns for many local businesses, Councillors and organisations who fear ASDA will draw shoppers away from the town centre. Some 70 letters of objection were received by the Council, however 67 letters were also received in support.
In the meeting tonight, Planning Officers said a new superstore would not harm the vitality and viability of Newport Town Centre.
A rival planning application by Newport Football Club’s owners, South Coast Leisure, has also been approved. It was noted there was just 300 metres difference between the two applications, however ASDA had previously confirmed that they were not looking to build on the football club’s land.
